First Read

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

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

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 Ovestimulated: 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. 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'

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. 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'

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'

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

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?'

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Introducing First, Read: The Meeting Ground for Big Ideas

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.