

RD Talks
Reader's Digest Australia
Sit back and listen to some of the most engaging stories to have appeared in Reader’s Digest magazine.
RD Talks brings you the real-life unforgettable crime investigations, dramas in real life, and inspirational and heart-warming moments you’ve come to expect from the magazine. Each one will amaze, stir your emotions and have you celebrating the courage of everyday heroes.
From sinister brutal husband/wife murder mystery, The Case of the Missing Keys, to the tear-jerking story of a sweet natured baby boy in Family for Freddie, who finally finds the perfect loving home just in time for Christmas.
There’s also a terrifying tale of survival in Crocodile Attack, a freak hot air balloon accident in Ascent to Terror, and The Man Who Wouldn’t Die, that sees a hard-working family man start a normal day at work only to face the horror of being encased with bitumen. Will he survive?
But it doesn’t end there. Dozens of real life tales will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Carefully selected and recorded by the team at Reader’s Digest (Australia) magazine, episodes range from 10-30 minutes.
RD Talks brings you the real-life unforgettable crime investigations, dramas in real life, and inspirational and heart-warming moments you’ve come to expect from the magazine. Each one will amaze, stir your emotions and have you celebrating the courage of everyday heroes.
From sinister brutal husband/wife murder mystery, The Case of the Missing Keys, to the tear-jerking story of a sweet natured baby boy in Family for Freddie, who finally finds the perfect loving home just in time for Christmas.
There’s also a terrifying tale of survival in Crocodile Attack, a freak hot air balloon accident in Ascent to Terror, and The Man Who Wouldn’t Die, that sees a hard-working family man start a normal day at work only to face the horror of being encased with bitumen. Will he survive?
But it doesn’t end there. Dozens of real life tales will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Carefully selected and recorded by the team at Reader’s Digest (Australia) magazine, episodes range from 10-30 minutes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 30, 2025 • 14min
RD_Race To Save Matilda
The young hiker was wedged upside down between two boulders. How could rescuers pull her free? Written by Helen Signy. Read by Louise Waterson

Apr 3, 2025 • 11min
RD_Welcome To My Sentence
Understanding the science behind why some people constantly interrupt others can help you to be heard better. Written by Kristina Berndt. Read by Louise Waterson.

Jan 29, 2025 • 19min
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Pinned by a giant boulder, a hiker had two choices: panic or gut it out. He did both. Written by Nick Hune-Brown. Read by Louise Waterson

Nov 29, 2024 • 14min
RD_The Best Gift I Ever Received
Sometimes the simplest presents are the most meaningful. Here, RD readers reflect on the gifts they have never forgotten.

Sep 26, 2024 • 16min
RD_To Hell and Back
A gripping adventure unfolds at the Darvaza crater, also known as the Gates of Hell, where wonder meets danger. The discussion highlights the strange and extravagant elements of Turkmenistan's national identity and leadership. Vivid accounts capture the surreal beauty and heat of the flaming crater, blending fun with trepidation. Insightful commentary reveals the challenges of extinguishing the flames and the potential energy source from methane gas, making this natural wonder both captivating and perilous.

Jul 30, 2024 • 6min
Tiny New Neighbours
A couple were astonished to see who had taken up residence in their letterbox. Written by Cathy Free, from Washington Post. Read by Louise Waterson.

Jun 3, 2024 • 19min
RD_Next Stop Who Knows
We wanted to do a once-in-a-lifetime trek in northern Laos. Just getting there became the adventure. By Bonnie Munday. Read by Louise Waterson

Apr 2, 2024 • 16min
Yasmeen Lari's Change Of Heart
Former 'starchitect' Yasmeen Lari shifted focus to rebuild villages after natural disasters in Pakistan. She emphasizes sustainable architecture using locally sourced materials like bamboo and mud for resilient homes. Her inspirational journey from corporate towers to community empowerment through innovative designs and women's well-being is truly remarkable.

Jan 31, 2024 • 11min
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Experience the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, from the perilous river crossings to the dynamic ecosystem interactions. Dive into the challenges faced by wildebeests, including evading crocodiles and navigating the predator-prey relationships, showcasing the harsh yet beautiful reality of wildlife survival.

Nov 14, 2023 • 7min
MY STORY Limo Las Vegas
Far from home, a couple decides on an unusual wedding venue in the marriage capital of the world. By Christine Tan. Read by Louise Waterson.