Ep 55: The Butterfly Women: Melbourne’s Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary
Between The Lines
The Butterfly Women: Melbourne’s Hidden Histories & Murder Mysteries with Madeleine Cleary Step back in time with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with debut author Madeleine Cleary about her captivating historical novel, The Butterfly Women. Set in the shadowy streets of 1863 Melbourne, this story weaves together romance, drama, and a murder mystery—all through the eyes of two unforgettable women: Johanna Callahan, an Irish immigrant working in a brothel, and Harriet Gardner, a determined journalist on the hunt for a serial killer. Madeleine shares the wild ride of researching and...
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Ep 53: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World
Between The Lines
Episode: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World What does it take for a young woman to find her voice in a world determined to silence her? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne sit down with debut author Marion Taffe to explore her powerful historical novel, By Her Hand. Set in the wild, windswept Peak District of Mercia in AD 910, the story follows Freda—a girl who dreams of writing, longs for her father’s approval, and must navigate a world full of danger, loss, and impossible choices. Marion shares her journey from journalism to fiction, the six-year...
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Ep 52: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women
Between The Lines
Between The Lines – Episode: Coffee, Confessions & Connection: Saman Shad on The Sex Lives of Married Women What happens when three women—each with their own secrets, struggles, and cultural backgrounds—form an unlikely alliance over coffee, cocktails, and confessions? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne chat with Saman Shad about her bold, witty, and refreshingly honest novel, The Sex Lives of Married Women. Saman, a true “third culture kid,” draws on her globe-spanning experiences to create characters who are as complex as they are relatable. Together, they explore the messy...
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Ep 51: Turning Toward the Tough Stuff: Dr. Emily Musgrove on Getting Unstuck
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Between The Lines – Episode: Unstuck with Dr. Emily Musgrove Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels—stuck in the same old patterns, wishing for change but not sure where to start? This episode is for you! 🎧 Leanne and Chelle sit down with Dr. Emily Musgrove, clinical psychologist and author of “Unstuck,” to unpack practical, relatable strategies for moving through life’s challenges (without the jargon!). Dr. Emily brings warmth, wisdom, and a refreshing honesty about what it really takes to live by your values—even when life gets messy. In this episode: Why pain is a...
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Ep 50: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers - John Boyne’s Masterclass in Human Nature
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Between The Lines – Episode: The Elements Series: Crime, Compassion & Cliffhangers Ever finish a book and just need to talk about it? Multiply that by four, and you’ll get Chelle and Leanne’s reaction to John Boyne’s “The Elements” series! This week, our hosts dive into “Water,” “Earth,” “Fire,” and “Air”—four compact but powerful novellas that weave together stories of crime, guilt, trauma, and redemption. Boyne’s storytelling is masterful: each book stands alone but also connects into a larger, unforgettable tapestry of human experience. The characters—a...
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Ep 49: The Let Them Theory: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You
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Between The Lines – Episode: Let Them: Boundaries, Bold Claims & Being True to You Ever wish you could care a little less about what others think? This week, Chelle and Leanne dive into Mel Robbins’ buzzy new book, “The Let Them Theory”—a guide that promises to free us from the weight of other people’s opinions (and maybe even our own inner critic). But is it really that simple? Our hosts dig into the heart of the “Let Them” concept, exploring both its empowering message and the nuances that come with it—especially for women who are used to putting everyone else first. In...
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Ep 48: The Stitch Up: Unpacking Kate Solly’s Paradise Heights Tale
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Between The Lines – Episode: Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up with Kate Solly What happens when a mother of three, a missing charity store item, and a tight-knit Melbourne community collide? In this episode, Chelle and Leanne welcome back Kate Solly to chat about her latest novel, Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up—a story brimming with humor, heart, and a dash of mystery. Kate takes us behind the scenes of Fleck’s world: a mum who feels invisible, yet uses that very invisibility as her detective superpower. Together, we explore how motherhood, neurodivergence, and community...
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Ep 47: Healing Through Words: Rachael Coopes on 'The Art of Forgiveness
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Guest: Rachael Coopes *Interviewed by Chelle Griffin* Episode Highlights: Introduction to Rachael Coopes: Award-winning actress, writer, and presenter known for her work on Australian television and theater Career Journey: Rachael discusses her path from early acting roles to becoming a multifaceted creative professional Writing Process: Insights into how Rachael approaches scriptwriting and storytelling across different mediums Industry Challenges: Honest conversation about navigating the entertainment industry and overcoming obstacles Current Projects: Discussion of Rachael's...
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Ep 46: Five Seasons in Seoul: A Journey Through Culture and Connection with Christine Newell
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In this inspiring episode, we chat with author Christine Newell about her beautiful memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul, which chronicles her transformative year living and teaching in South Korea. Christine opens up about the personal challenges that led her to seek a fresh start, her deep cultural immersion, and the powerful impact of Korean traditions—especially the symbolic “five seasons” shaped by Yin and Yang philosophy. She shares how community, kindness, and resilience helped her find healing, purpose, and creative spark. We also explore the emotional journey of writing a memoir, the...
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Ep 45: Bridesmaids, Boundaries, and Being Yourself with Rachael Johns
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Episode Title: Rachael Johns: The Bad Bridesmaid and the Love of Books Guest: Rachael Johns, Australian Romance Author Key Highlights: Discussion of Rachael's latest book "The Bad Bridesmaid" Insights into her writing process and inspiration Exploration of her love for books and libraries Episode Breakdown: Book Overview Main character: Winnefren (Fred) Darling Setting: Norfolk Island Plot: Fred tries to stop her mother's sixth wedding Inspired by "The Parent Trap" movie concept Writing Journey Started writing at 17 Former English teacher Known as the...
info_outlineUnraveling "All That's Left Unsaid" with Tracey Lien
Hosts: Leanne and Chelle
Episode Overview: In this episode, Leanne and Chelle delve into "All That's Left Unsaid" by Tracey Lien, a poignant debut novel exploring themes of family, cultural identity, and the aftermath of tragedy. Set in 1996 Cabramatta, the story follows Ki Tran as she returns home to uncover the truth behind her brother's murder. The hosts discuss the book's exploration of Vietnamese Australian culture, the complexities of family obligations, and the struggle to reconcile past and present.
Key Discussion Points:
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Introduction to Tracey Lien and the Book:
- Introduction of Tracey Lien's debut novel, "All That's Left Unsaid."
- Background on Tracey Lien, her upbringing in southwestern Sydney, and her career.
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Book Synopsis:
- Overview of the plot centered on Ki Tran's quest to understand her brother Denny's murder.
- The novel's setting in Cabramatta, highlighting the cultural and historical context.
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Themes and Cultural Exploration:
- The portrayal of Vietnamese Australian culture and the immigrant experience.
- Discussion on the cultural pressures and ideals faced by first-generation immigrants.
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Character Dynamics and Storytelling:
- Ki Tran's journey as she navigates family dynamics and cultural expectations.
- The novel's structure, alternating between Ki's perspective and those of the witnesses.
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Personal Reflections and Relatability:
- Chelle's personal connections to the Vietnamese Australian community and cultural nuances.
- Leanne's reflections on the nostalgia and cultural references from the 1990s.
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Mystery and Unraveling the Past:
- The book's mystery element as Ki seeks to uncover the truth behind her brother's death.
- Exploration of themes like guilt, responsibility, and the quest for meaning.
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Cultural Identity and Generational Tensions:
- The struggle between embracing new cultural identities and honoring traditional values.
- The impact of historical events on the characters' lives and choices.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations:
- The hosts express their admiration for Tracey Lien's storytelling and cultural insights.
- Recommendation for readers interested in exploring diverse cultural narratives and family dynamics.
- Encouragement for listeners to read the book and engage with its themes.