PODCAST · arts
Novel Feelings
by Novel Feelings Podcast
Two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books.
Episodes
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December book club: Alone With You in the Ether (S4E6)
Two people meet in the Art Institute by chance. Prior to their encounter, he is a doctoral student who manages his destructive thoughts with compulsive calculations about time travel; she is a bipolar counterfeit artist, undergoing court-ordered psychotherapy. By the end of the story, these…
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October book club: Freshwater (S4E5)
Our latest book club discussion is about Freshwater, a semi-autobiographical novel by Nigerian writer, Akwaeke Emezi. We talk about multiplicity and the character's experience with alters, and the role of trauma in its development. We aimed to view the story through the lens that the author...
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Jodi McAlister on An Academic Affair | Author Interview
Romance author and academic Dr Jodi McAlister shares her insights on her latest release, an Academic Affair. Meet academic rivals Sadie and Jonah; when a position comes up that Sadie and Jonah are both perfect for, their ongoing enmity explodes into a red-hot competition. We dive into the world…
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July Book Club: I Want to Die, But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (S4E4)
Recording her dialogues with her psychiatrist, and expanding on each session with her own reflective micro-essays, Baek begins to disentangle the feedback loops, knee-jerk reactions, and harmful behaviors that keep her locked in a cycle of self-abuse. Our July book club discussion is about I Want...
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Neal Shusterman explores All Better Now and a virus of happiness | Author interview
We sit down with Neal Shusterman to discuss his latest Young Adult novel, All Better Now, which speculates on what could happen if there was another pandemic, but this time, of a virus that brings contentment to its recoverees. We have a lot to talk about, including what a happiness virus would...
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Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist talk The Glass House
Join us for a fascinating interview with Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, authors of the Menzies Mental Health series – i.e. The Glass House and The Oasis. We have a lot to talk about including the complexity of the Australian mental health care system, balancing technical accuracy and…
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May book club: Get a Life, Chloe Brown (S4E3)
Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with six directives to help her “Get a Life". Our May book club discussion is about Get a Life, Chloe Brown, a romance novel that features characters experiencing…
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March Book Club: Hospital (S4E2)
A daring literary account of a young woman’s experience of psychosis by Bengali-Australian writer Sanya Rushdi. This March, our book club discussion features Hospital, which explores the experience of psychosis and subsequent hospitalisation, drawn from the author's real-life experience. We…
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Tara Calaby on spiritualism, representation, and grief l Author interview
Tara Calaby joins us on today's episode to discuss her latest novel, The Spirit Circle: a speculative historical fiction on the intersection of spiritualism and grief. The novel features women who are haunted by grief and come together as a church under the charismatic leadership of a medium.…
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Growing out of Y.A. Fiction
This week, we get on the mic to discuss an unexpected identity crisis: we seem to be growing out of Young Adult (YA) fiction. We try to define what exactly YA is (a tough job!) and what we still love about books in this category, as well as grapple with why we no longer gravitate towards this…
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Book club: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (4.1)
In this exhilarating novel, two friends—often in love, but never lovers—come together as creative partners in the world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity, and, ultimately, a kind of immortality. Join Priscilla and Elise for a book club discussion on...
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We're diversifying your bookshelf in our 2025 book club
You are invited to join Novel Feelings' 2025 Book Club (a.k.a. season 4!) in collaboration with Amplify Bookstore. Tune in to learn about how the book club will work, to hear about our book club choices, and for a special interview with Marina from Amplify about their mission and history. Amplify...
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50th episode spectacular
This week, we're celebrating our 50th podcast episode! Join us for a retrospective into the inception of Novel Feelings, as we celebrate what we've achieved in four years, highlight some of our favourite memories, and revisit some of our best (and worst) books we've covered on the podcast. Plus,...
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Danielle Binks on writing middle grade, school refusal, and the power of sad stories | Author interview
We were thrilled to sit down with Danielle Binks to talk all about her latest novel, Six Summers of Tash and Leopold: a big, hopeful, coming-of-age middle-grade book that features complicated families and life-changing summers. The novel follows the titular characters as they deal with difficult...
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Nina Kenwood on life stability, 30s anxieties, and wedding drama | Author interview
In this interview, we welcome author Nina Kenwood back to the show, where we will be discussing her new book - and her first book for adults - The Wedding Forecast. Topics include starting over after a long-term relationship, anxieties around parenthood and aging, and stability versus taking a...
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Emma Lord talks grief, trauma, and the apocalypse l Author interview
Priscilla and Elise sit down with Emma Lord to discuss her debut novel, Anomaly. The novel follows teenager Piper Manning, who wakes up after an apocalyptic pandemic alone - and with an uncontrollable power. We talk about the depiction of grief and PTSD, Piper's isolating experience in the...
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Alice Robinson: grief, parenting and an uncertain future | Author interview
Author Alice Robinson joins Elise and Priscilla for an insightful interview about her new release, If You Go. The novel follows protagonist Esther, who must piece together a timeline between her past and the highly confusing present. We chat about a non-linear experience of grief, the…
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Ariane Beeston explores mental illness and motherhood | Author interview
Elise and Priscilla chat to author Ariane Beeston on her memoir, Because I'm Not Myself, You See, which traces her experience with motherhood and mental illness. Discussion topics include perinatal and postnatal depression and anxiety, postpartum psychosis, inpatient treatment, and stigma. Find...
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Interview with Sarah Sasson
In this episode, Priscilla interviews clinician-author Dr Sarah Sasson about the newly released Tidelines, a tender coming-of-age novel about growing up in the face of unimaginable loss. Tidelines examines the stories we subconsciously write for ourselves, and what remains later, when we have the...
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Interview with Sara Shepard
Nobody said fifth grade was going to be easy, and Penny Lowry has a million questions going through her mind all the time. The Penny Draws series by Sara Shepard follows Penny as she navigates feelings, friendships, and all sorts of changes that life brings her way. In turns sweet and hilarious…
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3.6. Girl in Pieces | Self-harm, PTSD, & Recovery
How do you pick up the pieces after life has served you enough trauma for a lifetime? Charlotte, aged 17, is trying to recover in a world that owes her nothing, but has taken so much. In our season 3 finale, we dive into Girl in Pieces' representations of self-harm, hospitalisation, and unhealthy...
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Interview with Megan Williams
Life is pretty good for sixteen-year-old Abby. When new girl Chloe arrives, Abby is pleased to be the one to show her around, to welcome her to the group. But Abby doesn’t imagine Chloe fitting in so well or quite so quickly. And before long Abby is feeling just a little left out, a little unsure...
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3.5 My Year of Rest and Relaxation | Depression, self-medication, & avoidance
Is it possible to hibernate your problems away? Our main character - privileged, vain, and traumatised - chooses to sleep for a year to take a break from her life. In our spiciest review yet, we discuss self-medication, unlikable characters, and one of the worst mental heath professionals we’ve...
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Interview with Robyn Dennison
When Dale stumbles into a bedroom at a party and sees a drunk girl being undressed by a group of guys, he backs away and runs. He’s pretty drunk himself, but he knows what he saw. Why didn’t he stop them? Why did he run? We speak in-depth with author Robyn Dennison about how she approaches…
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3.4 Challenger Deep review | Schizophrenia, medication, & group therapy
How do you come back from the depths of your own mind? Neal Shusterman is one of our favourite authors, so it was a no brainer for us to dive into a book he's written about an often stigmatised mental health disorder. Joined by Leah from YA Book Chat, we discuss the experiences of delusions and...
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Interview with Margo Candela
Three sisters. Three sisters. Three vastly different lives. A maelstrom of family secrets. The Neapolitan Sisters is riotous, provocative tale of family and sisterhood. Maritza is a princess bridezilla, Claudia is the family “fixer,” and Dulcina “Dooley” is finally sober. As the three are…
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Interview with Ashley Kalagian Blunt
When our whole lives are online, how can we keep things private... and safe? 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. Join us as we speak with author Ashley Kalagian Blunt about online misogyny,...
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3.3 Queenie review | Trauma, racism, and consent
There are plenty of dates in this story, but Queenie is not about romance. Queenie Jenkins navigates life after a long-term relationship break-up. The premise sounds like a rom-com, but the story visits some dark places along the way. In this episode, we discuss themes such as trauma, racism,...
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Interview with Elfy Scott
If we don't talk about complex mental health conditions, how can we expect things to change? Journalist, presenter, and producer Elfy Scott joins us to talk about her book The One Thing We've Never Spoken About. This powerful piece of non-fiction draws from Elfy's family's experience with...
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Interview with Anne Buist
In our latest author interview, we talk with Anne Buist, author and psychiatrist. Anne recently published the fourth novel in the Natalie King Series, Locked Ward. The novel follows forensic psychiatrist Natalie, as she stays in the mother-baby unit of a private psychiatric unit - only to find...
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Interview with Allayne L. Webster
In this special interview, we chat with Allayne L. Webster, who recently published her tenth novel, Selfie. In Selfie, we meet year 8 student Tully, who is shocked to find herself the new best friend of teenage influencer Dene Walker. We chat about teenage friendships, the impact of social media…
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3.2 Tiger Daughter | Domestic abuse, suicide and grief | ft. Interview with Rebecca Lim
Last episode was prompted by Elise's recommendation. This time, it's Priscilla's. Tiger Daughter tells the story of Wen and Henry, and what happens when tragedy strikes their community. We cover themes of domestic abuse, misogyny, and the ripple effect of suicide - all framed by the Chinese...
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Interview with Dr Jac den Houting
Everything we know about autism is wrong... or is it? In this special interview, we chat with Dr Jac den Houting, research psychologist and Autistic advocate working in pursuit of social justice. We chat about their autism research, Ted Talk and other advocacy work, and the power of media...
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3.1 I'm Glad My Mom Died | Family trauma and disordered eating
We're baaaaack! To kick off Season 3, we're covering the very hyped memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. We discuss Jennette's experience of childhood abuse and eating disorders, complicated grief, and our thoughts on her recovery process. FYI, our episodes are now two-parters: we…
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We want YOU to join us in Season 3!
We are thrilled to announce that a new season will launch on January 7, 2023. And we're mixing things up! Listeners will have the opportunity to read along, with each book title released at least 6 weeks in advance. Six books are planned for the year – one episode every two months. Episodes will...
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Interview with Nina Kenwood
In this special interview, we chat to author Nina Kenwood, who has been working in books and publishing for over a decade. Her first novel, It Sounded Better in My Head, won the Text Prize and other awards. Our interview focuses on her new book, Unnecessary Drama, which was published in October...
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Interview with Miranda Luby
In this special podcast episode, we chat to the author of Sadie Starr's Guide to Starting Over: Miranda Luby, award-winning author, freelance journalist, copywriter and communications professional. Sadie Starr is her debut novel. We chat about perfectionism, disordered eating, and performative...
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Interview with Graeme Simsion
In this special interview, we chat to Graeme Simsion, the internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project trilogy, The Best of Adam Sharp, The Novel Project, and more. We chat about the impact of The Rosie Project, and representation of autism across the series. Graeme shares insights…
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Our favourite reads of 2021
Well, 2021 has certainly been a year. We're still on hiatus, but popping up to say 'hey, we read some cool books this year!' In this special bonus episode, we each present our Top 3 books of the year (plus some honourable mentions). This episode is spoiler-free and the books aren't specific to...
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Season 2 Wrap & Announcement
Welcome to the last episode of Season 2. We had such a wonderful time putting this season together. In this episode, we reflect on the process of recording the season, and talk about our favourite moments. After this episode, we will be going on a hiatus, and we're not planning on returning for a...
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2.8 A Monster Calls | Anticipatory grief
What does it mean when a monster shows up at your window? For our final review episode of Season 2, we discuss A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness with special guest, author Mat Larkin. We talk about the stages of grief, middle grade tropes, surprisingly therapeutic monsters, and all the feels! Find...
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Interview with Kay Kerr
In this special episode, we chat to Kay Kerr, author of Please Don't Hug Me and the newly released Social Queue. Topics include: autism representation, Kay's writing processes for both of her books, and self-care. We also discuss Please Don't Hug Me in spoilery details in the second half of the...
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2.7 Darius the Great is Not Okay | Depression and connection
What can you do when you feel disconnected from your family, and your culture? Darius is a 'fractional Persian', and speaks better Klingon than Farsi. And his first trip to Iran is about to change his life. In this episode, we chat about Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. We discuss…
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2.6 You Should See Me In a Crown | Anxiety, friendships, and Black joy
Would you run for prom king/queen? There is nothing Liz Lightly would like less, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to win a scholarship, even if it means facing her fear of the spotlight. With special guests, Hallie and Allie from the Read It, Next podcast, we chat about anxiety...
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2.5 Picture Us in the Light | Family, identity and survivor guilt
How much do you really know about your parents? In Kelly Loy Gilbert's Picture Us in the Light, Danny Cheng grapples with the mysteries of his family's past, a tragedy in his friendship group, as well as the possibilities in his future. Along with our guest, Wendy Chen, we discuss the portrayal…
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2.4 A Duke by Default | ADHD
Portia Hobbs, 'perpetual hot mess', meets Tavish McKenzie, gruff Scottish swordsman. Sparks fly, and self-discoveries abound. We discuss the book's portrayal of ADHD and how this experience can impact on a person's self-beliefs. We also chat about positive female friendships, difficult family...
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2.3 Cry Blue Murder | Collective trauma
How can you stay safe when there's a serial killer on the loose? Can you be best friends with someone you met online? Cry Blue Murder tells the story of two teenagers who exchange emails after shocking murders devastate a community. We don't have all the answers, but we can talk about the anxiety...
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2.2. It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake - Self-esteem and body image
What would life look like if you only focused on the things that bring you pleasure? Noni Blake is about to find out. This episode, we are joined by Shelby from the Chub Rub Book Club podcast to discuss body image, anxiety, and the joys of prioritising yourself. We love the sex positivity and...
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2.1 Thirteen Reasons Why | Bullying, depression and suicide
CW: suicide. Welcome to Season 2 of Novel Feelings! We're kicking things off with Thirteen Reasons Why, in all its controversy. We talk about the book's portrayal of suicide and why it makes us uncomfortable. Discussion topics also include bullying, sexism, and the lack of mental health support…
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Novel Tropes 3: Bad therapy
This final episode of Novel Tropes (for now) focuses on a trope we're passionate about - passionately against, that is. Yep - it's bad therapy. From the mind reading therapist to therapist-client affairs, from the funny to the damaging, we discuss why these tropes are problematic. Warning: rants...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Novel Feelings have?
Novel Feelings currently has 64 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Novel Feelings about?
Two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books.
How often does Novel Feelings release new episodes?
Novel Feelings has 64 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Novel Feelings?
You can listen to Novel Feelings on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Novel Feelings?
Novel Feelings is created and hosted by Novel Feelings Podcast.
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