First Read

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1. Jelena Dokic's extraordinary journey to become Unbreakable (Part 1)

   3 november 2026 · 47 min

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   What happens when one of the world's most celebrated athletes tells her real story? For tennis champion Jelena Dokic, her steely determination on the tennis court belied the horrific abuse at the hands of her father and coach. Today, Jelena Dokic is a multi-award winning presenter, author and commentator, and in this episode we dig deep into her story. Her first book, Unbreakable won Australian television’s version of a Golden Globe - a Logie - as did Jelena herself the following year, prior, for Most Popular Sports Presenter. Despite all the challenges she has faced, Jelena doesn’t ask for sympathy. Instead, her latest book, Live Free, provides a blueprint for others trying to follow in her footsteps. As she says, you don’t have to be anyone special; you just have to believe you are deserving. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Jelena Dokic.

   To read more about Jelena's books, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/jelena-dokic

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

2. From Mao's Last Dancer to the Lucky Son - Li Cunxin's latest chapter (Part 2)

   27 oktober 2026 · 37 min

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   What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive into his latest book, The Lucky Son and the events that drove him to write it. We talk through the experience of his family finally seeing him performing on stage , his marriage to fellow ballet dancer Mary and their relationship with their daughter Sophie, who was born profoundly deaf. We also discuss the lasting impression his Houston Ballet director Ben Stevenson had on him, and his surprise final chapter with the Queensland Ballet. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin.

   To read more about The Lucky Son, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lucky-son-9781761352607

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

3. Li Cunxin's incredible journey to becoming Mao's Last Dancer (Part 1)

   20 oktober 2026 · 34 min

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   What happens when a young peasant boy is given the chance to dance his way onto the world stage? For Li Cunxin, it was all about making the most of his luck. In our in depth interview with the internationally acclaimed dancer and bestselling author of Mao’s Last Dancer and The Lucky Son, we explore his extraordinary journey from childhood in China to the Beijing Dance Academy and the Houston Ballet. Li reflects on the life-changing influence of Teacher Xiao and Ben Stevenson, the opportunities that shaped his future, and the dramatic standoff with the Chinese consulate that threatened to cost him both his career and his family. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin.

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

4. Julie Goodwin on coming 'Home For Dinner', and back to herself

   13 oktober 2026 · 54 min

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   What happens when the mental load becomes too much to bear? For cook and media personality Julie Goodwin, she had to reconfigure her life to take back her power. In this in-depth interview we cover Julie's ascendence from 'just a mum' on Masterchef's inaugural season, through to a period of work so intense she was eventually hospitalised. It's led her and her family to want to re-assess, and her new goal to help all families is laid out in her latest cookbook Home for Dinner. Lees meer

   If this episode brought anything up for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Julie Goodwin.

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

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

   6 oktober 2026 · 27 min

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   Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now. Lees meer

   In Part 2, we discuss the teen years and beyond. We reflect on the importance of connection through play, the social media debate, and how to manage online and offline friendships. We also delve into how to have the hard conversations, what we should say, why it's important and why we must have them early and often.

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey.

   WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES

   Websites

   Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au

   Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com

   Phone support (in Australia)

   Lifeline 13 11 14

   Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

6. Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 1: The Early Years

   29 september 2026 · 41 min

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   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 how to navigate the challenging early years of raising boys. We discuss toddler tantrums, the importance of connection and repair, and emotional regulation for kids and parents. We also reflect on the generational differences in parenting and Billy's personal experiences of childhood and parenting life. Part 2 of this interview releases 07/10/26. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey.

   WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES

   Websites

   Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au

   Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com

   Phone support (in Australia)

   Lifeline 13 11 14

   Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

7. George Megalogenis on immigration, One Nation, and Australia's future

   22 september 2026 · 55 min

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   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 Australia's politics, Three Shocks. We also discuss the future of Australia's two party system, the immigration debate, the likelihood of Pauline Hanson's bid to become Australia's next Prime Minister. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is George Megalogenis.

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

8. Dr Anastasia Hronis on gambling, addiction and our overstimulated world

   15 september 2026 · 49 min

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   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 lives so often provide, and to find the roadmaps back to stillness. We discuss her best-selling book The Dopamine Brain and her forthcoming book Overstimulated: Finding Calm and Connection in a Noisy World, and the cutting-edge neuroscience research that led her to write them. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Anastasia Hronis.

   The Dopamine Brain is out now - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-dopamine-brain-9781761346378

   Overstimulated is available for presale now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/overstimulated-9781761621314

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

9. Dr Fatima Khan on navigating perimenopause and why 'Hormone Health is Mental Health'

   8 september 2026 · 53 min

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   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 groundbreaking book, Hormone Health is Mental Health, a scientifically backed guide to perimenopause. We talk about the importance of seeking help to manage symptoms, empowering women to advocate for their medical needs and the impact trying to ‘do it all’ has on the menopause transition. Lees meer

   First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Fatima Khan.

   Hormone Health is Mental Health is out now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/hormone-health-is-mental-health-9781761623813

   Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

10. Amie McNee on the transformative power of creativity, and her book 'We Need Your Art'

    1 september 2026 · 42 min

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    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 to create, what ambition looks like when it isn’t simply hustle culture in nicer clothes, and the stories artists inherit about money and ‘proper’ work. Lees meer

    First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Amie McNee.

    Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

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