In The Good Books with Luke Bateman

The characters we find in novels may not exist outside of our imaginations - but the values, lessons and examples they provide are real.  From someone that mirrored Luke's own experience, to the kind of parent he hopes he can be in the future, here are some of his favourite literary role models. Who are the characters that have inspired, challenged or changed you? Let Luke know by sending your voice notes to [email protected].   Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True strength and responsibility as a man doesn't come in any pre-conceived definition of masculinity, but in the courage to confront your own unprocessed pain That's according to Matt Brown—author, barber, and founder of the global movement She Is Not Your Rehab. Drawing from his own experience of leaving a childhood home at just 15 years old, Matt has become a leading voice in the movement to end generational trauma. In this conversation, Luke and Matt dive deep into why men must take radical responsibility for their own healing, why places like barbershops can be key to unlocking male vulnerability, how to ensure the next generation doesn't carry burdens that aren't theirs to bear, along with practical steps for men to begin their own healing journey today - including how reading and writing can be the most powerful tools. Connect with Matt Brown: Website: She Is Not Your Rehab Instagram: @SheIsNotYourRehab Send your voice memo to [email protected].  Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Luke ever mention he's pretty into fantasy novels? But what about you? If you're yet to discover the magic of the genre, here are some titles Luke reckons are the perfect places to start. They dispel common myths, answer common criticisms, they might reassure you that fantasy isn't too different from what you're reading already - and above all, they're just good books! Do you agree with these picks? What have you recommended as a first fantasy for your friends? What got you into fantasy? Send your voice memo to [email protected].  Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Kristin Hannah deliberately try to devastate us emotionally with her writing? The legendary best-selling author of The Women, the Great Alone, the Nightingale and Between Sisters sits down with Luke to discuss her process, her research, her emotionally devastating reputation and more. Is there an author you’d love to hear Luke interview next? Or a book he NEEDS to read? Or anything else you want to share? Send your voice memo to [email protected].  Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Complete immortality. Total freedom. But the world will never know you. Would you take the deal? Today Luke dives into the magic, heartbreak and sensuality of our most recent Good Books Club read. What would YOU like to be part of our book club next? Send your voice memo to [email protected]. Stay connected on our socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some things the screen just can’t capture. From all time classics to those in cinemas now, from tear-jerking romances to sci-fi epics, here are Luke’s top picks for books that are worth the read even when you’ve already seen the film. What are your top picks on this topic? Got a book recommendation for Luke? Or anything else you want him to hear?  Send us your voice note by emailing us at [email protected].  Stay connected on our socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The love goes on! Luke continues to unpack the literary relationships that give us all the feels.    We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopeless romantics, meet Luke.  These are the books that make your heart ACHE — from the secret locker room romance of Heated Rivalry to the emotional wrecking ball that is The Song of Achilles and more…   We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews C.M. Nascosta's spicy read, 'Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic'.  We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paullina Simons talks how her life shaped her writing, The Bronze Horseman, her new book The Bell and the Blade, and why she writes 'love in loveless times' [00:43] - Paullina on finding Luke [02:21] - Paullina’s early life [05:34] - How Paullina’s love of stories began  [07:35] - Paullina’s earliest literary loves: The Three Musketeers, Les Miserables, the Count of Monte Cristo [12:22] - Paullina’s first story [15:15] - Why Paullina is drawn to writing about hardship and resilience  [17:13] - Victor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ [18:48] - The Bronze Horseman [25:00] - The Bell and the Blade [33:22] - What is Paullina’s favourite out of everything she’s written? [35:38] - what Advice would Paullina give to an aspiring writer? [36:21] - East of Eden by John Steinbeck [39:35] - Paullina’s Good Book  [40:45] - Ordinary People by Judith Guest [41:06] - Shopgirl by Steve Martin [41:50] - Paullina’s relationship to fantasy [42:49] - The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien [43:07] - The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien [44:38] - What’s next? We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to start a habit or stay motivated?  Hear all the practical, no-pressure advice and proven hacks to help anyone discover the joy of reading and make it a daily practice. (00:00) Intro (00:31) Listener Audio (02:20)Why Reading is Important (05:11) Mindset Tip #1: Drop the Shoulds (07:33) Mindset Tip #2: The 50 Page Rule (08:33) Mindset Tip #3: Develop a Reading Identity (09:52) Medium Tip #1: Audiobooks are Not Cheating  (12:22) Medium Tip #2: Invest in a Portable Reader  (14:12) Habit Tip #1: Habit Stacking  (15:16) Habit Tip #2: Replace Your Scrolling  (16:14) Habit Tip #3: Make it Social (18:20) Consistency Beats Intensity (20:35) Share Your Reading Tips and Tricks We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From ride-or-die besties to deep, complex bonds, Luke explores the most memorable friendships which anchor the greatest fantasy novels and fictional worlds. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (04:47) Friendships in Fiction (07:12) Friendship #1: Locke and Jean from The Gentleman Bastard series (11:57)Friendship #2: Jude and Willem from A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (17:53)Friendship #3: Aman Jair and Arlen Bales from The Demon Cycle series (22:27) The Importance of Friendship (24:06) Share Your Friendship Stories and Favorite Fictional Friendships We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Paullina Simons’ sweeping historical romance, The Bronze Horseman. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:23) The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons (04:15) First Impressions (06:18) The Setting: Leningrad, the Siege, and the War Hardship (09:11) Tension in the Metanova Apartment (10:26) The Love Story (11:38) The Sexual/Romantic Writing (13:40) Alexander's Character (16:45) SPOILER: Alexander's Sacrifice and The Ending (19:20) Final Takeaway (21:05) The Next Book Club Pick: Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic by CM Ncosta We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Move over, Chosen Ones.  We're shining a spotlight on the fantastic but often overlooked side characters of fantasy who well and truly make the story. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (04:33) Unsung Heroes in Fiction (06:03) #1: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings (09:28) #2: Szeth-son-son-Vallano from Stormlight Archive (12:49) #3: Night Eyes from Realm of the Elderlings (16:41) The Importance of Unsung Heroes and Why We Relate to Them (18:19) Share Your Favorite Unsung Heroes We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New year, new me... Right?  Luke shares the four most impactful non-fiction books to help you achieve personal growth, cultivate success, and change your mindset for a better 2026. (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (01:19) Book Recommendation: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (02:29) How to Become the Best Version of Yourself (04:47) The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank (08:21) Atomic Habits by James Clear (11:24) The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (15:40) The Second Mountain by David Brooks (20:01) The 4-Book Wrap Up (21:00) Make Reading Books A 2026 Goal We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget everything you know about magic. From a deep dive into the incredible world-building to the unforgettable journey of Sabriel, Luke tackles Garth Nix's iconic fantasy series, The Old Kingdom Trilogy. (00:00) Intro (00:32) Listener Audio (02:39) The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix (05:07) Initial Connection to the Series (07:08) Sabriel by Garth Nix (10:45) Lirael by Garth Nix (15:03) Abhorsen by Garth Nix (17:54) Encouragement to Read or Reread the Trilogy (19:05) Call to Listeners: Share Your Takeaways (19:50) Closing Remarks We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Kristin Hannah's epic Alaskan survival story, The Great Alone.  (00:00) Intro (00:34) Listener Audio (03:19) The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah   (04:12) First Impressions (05:22) Immediate Takeaways (07:20) The Setting of Alaska (08:16) Key Themes (11:57) Complex Characters (15:50) SPOILER WARNING: The Ending  (21:17) Call to Listeners: Your Experiences of the Book (23:53) The Next Book Club Pick: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Reilly steps into The Writer's Room to discuss his latest books The Detective and the creative process behind his bestselling novels. (00:54) Matthew Reilly's Books Shaped Luke's Reading Journey (02:55) Getting Young Guys Back to Reading: The Power of Ice Station and Hell Island (05:01) Influential School Books: To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies (07:31) Literary Influences (09:07) Advice to His 19-Year-Old Self  (13:43) The Epic Scope of Mr. Einstein's Secretary (14:16) Finding Sam Speedman's Voice in The Detective (17:10) Every New Book Must Be Better Than the Last (22:01) Not Surprising the Reader with Unsolvable Twists (27:55) Obsessiveness in Writing (33:42) Writing for Book Clubs (39:15)The Impact of Killing Off a Character in Scarecrow (44:34) Matthew Reilly's "Good Book" We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: Get tissues.  Luke recommends the most emotionally powerful novels. why we often seek out books that make us cry and how they help us process our own feelings. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Audio (02:42) Books That Still Bring Me to Tears (04:16) Impenetrability is Harmful (07:11) Loss in Magician by Raymond E. Feist (09:12) Loneliness in The Witcher (11:17) Sacrifice in The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett (13:36) Reunion in Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb (15:32) Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (17:41) Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: The Road by Cormac McCarthy (19:17) Conclusion: Vulnerability is Strength (22:02) Closing Remarks We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there is one thing Luke loves, it’s a quest.  Luke picks three essential reads that define the epic fantasy genre, diving deep into epic world-building, intricate magic systems, and characters on journeys of impossible scale. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Recommendation: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (07:58) Introducing Epic Fantasy (08:25) Personal Connection: Fantasy as an Escape (13:58) What to Expect: Not Just Swords and Soldiers (15:25) Defining Epic Fantasy vs. Fantasy (17:16) Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb (17:47) The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett (18:08) The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (19:49) Call to Listeners: Share Your Epic Fantasy Stories  We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strap in, because this is a very special and emotional episode. Luke is joined by his biggest supporter, his Mum, to discuss his childhood love of reading, the books that shaped him, and the stories they cherish together. (00:00) Intro (01:08)The First Book Club Pick: The Great Alone (02:12) Introducing Special Guest: Luke's Mother, Leanne (03:30) Reading Rituals As Kids (04:52) Favorite Childhood Reading Memories (06:30) Reading's Positive Impact (07:47) Luke's Deep Passion for Books (09:42) A Box of Books During Luke's Struggle (11:09) Advice to Parents (15:43) Mom's Fear about Luke's Vulnerability on Social Media (18:24) Authenticity & Joy (20:31) Luke's Final Thank You We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it hot in here? Luke's diving into the world of spicy books! It's time to unpack all things "smut," why its blown up as a genre, and the best reading recommendations if you're looking for something a little more saucy. (00:00) Intro (00:39) Listener Suggestion: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (02:34) Smut in Literature and Its Place in Culture (03:25) A Male Perspective: Shame and Barriers (04:18) Calling Tiona Page (Author and Friend) (07:44) Smut as Empowerment for Women (13:25) Creating A Community (13:56) Discovering Monster Smut (18:11) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass (18:58) The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks (19:30) Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta (20:53) Call to Listeners: Share Your Smut Stories and Favorite Books We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories have the power to change you. Sometimes, a few very special few have the power to save you.  In this episode, Luke talks about three books which provided an escape from reality and helped him to navigate life during the darkest of times. (00:00) Intro (01:21) 3 Books That Changed My Life (01:48) Struggling with Depression and Addiction (03:22) Accepting Help and Changing Direction (06:11) The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris (10:34) Magician by Raymond E. Feist (17:17) You Are the One You've Been Waiting For by Richard Schwartz (18:07) Finding the "Little Boy" Again (19:54) How These 3 Books Restored Wonder and Authenticity (20:47) Share Your Vulnerable Stories and Books That Saved Your Life We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the NRL field to overnight BookTok fame, Luke shares the personal journey which has all led to laying bare a deep passion for reading.  We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at [email protected].  Follow all the action on our socials:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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