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.

Latest episodes

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

October 6, 2026 · 27 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…
Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 1: The Early Years

September 29, 2026 · 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…
George Megalogenis on immigration, One Nation, and Australia's future

September 22, 2026 · 55 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…
Dr Anastasia Hronis on gambling, addiction and our overstimulated world

September 15, 2026 · 49 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…
Dr Fatima Khan on navigating perimenopause and why 'Hormone Health is Mental Health'

September 8, 2026 · 53 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…
Amie McNee on the transformative power of creativity, and her book 'We Need Your Art'

September 1, 2026 · 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…
Dr. Amantha Imber on the extreme burnout that inspired 'The Energy Game'

August 25, 2026 · 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…
Antoinette Lattouf on writing 'Women Who Win' while fighting her greatest battle

August 18, 2026 · 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…