In The Good Books with Luke Bateman
9Podcasts
What’s your story? Everyone has one — the ones we read and the ones we live.
In The Good Books is a new weekly podcast that serves as a community for those who believe in the power of a good story.
Each week, host Luke Bateman shares the books that have shaped his world, from timeless classics to buzzy bestsellers. He’ll also sit down with the most fascinating voices in the literary world — from bestselling authors to emerging new talent — as they reveal the inspirations behind their work.
This is more than a book club; it's a space to explore how the stories we consume influence the lives we lead.
We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.
Follow all the action on our socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast
In The Good Books is a new weekly podcast that serves as a community for those who believe in the power of a good story.
Each week, host Luke Bateman shares the books that have shaped his world, from timeless classics to buzzy bestsellers. He’ll also sit down with the most fascinating voices in the literary world — from bestselling authors to emerging new talent — as they reveal the inspirations behind their work.
This is more than a book club; it's a space to explore how the stories we consume influence the lives we lead.
We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.
Follow all the action on our socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 20, 2026 • 26min
Luke's Favourite Fictional Friendships
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Jan 13, 2026 • 23min
BOOK CLUB: The Bronze Horseman
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Jan 6, 2026 • 19min
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Dec 30, 2025 • 22min
Read These To THRIVE in 2026
Explore four powerful non-fiction books poised to transform your mindset and personal growth for 2026. Discover how to escape feelings of being stuck with insights from Britt Frank, and learn the art of habit-building from James Clear's practical systems. Mel Robbins introduces a refreshing approach with her Let Them Theory, helping to alleviate anxiety while David Brooks guides you to find deeper purpose beyond ambition. Make reading a priority this year for tangible change!
Dec 23, 2025 • 20min
The Old Kingdom Trilogy
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Dec 16, 2025 • 25min
BOOK CLUB: The Great Alone
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Dec 9, 2025 • 47min
The Writer’s Room: Matthew Reilly
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Dec 2, 2025 • 23min
Books Which Will Bring You To Tears
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Nov 25, 2025 • 20min
There’s A Reason It’s Called Epic Fantasy
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
Nov 18, 2025 • 22min
Introducing My First Guest
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 GoodBooks@nine.com.au. 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.
