This week life writing month takes an experimental turn as Amy, Payton & Justina chat to Olivia De Zilva about her debut genre-defying book Plastic Budgie, out now with Pink Shorts Press. Join us as we dive into the messy intersections of memory, nostalgia, fact and fiction, and we wax poetic about the unapologetically cringey kitsch of Adelaide and our love of novelty processed meats.

Our Book of the Month is The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

MENTIONS

📚 BOOKS: Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva; Theory and Practice by Michelle de Krester; Peripathetic by Cher Tan; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick; Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta; Girls Out Loud by Jacqueline Wilson; The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson; Eggshell by Olivia De Zilva

🎬 FILM: Grease (1978); Xanadu (1980); Call Me By Your Name (2017)

📺 TV: The Simpson (1989–); Kath & Kim (2002–2007); Glee (2009–2015); Stranger Things (2016–)

LINKS

• Get Plastic Budgie here and pre-order Eggshell here
• Follow Olivia De Zilva on IG: @oliviadezilva
• Follow Opinionated on IG: @opinionatedclub
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

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CEO and Founder Anna Vermooten joins Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts) to share how Parents Battle of the Bands (parentsbattleofthebands.com) grew from a St Kilda idea into a movement. This audio-only conversation captures the energy of community music. It also reveals how parent bands can strengthen connections between families and schools. From the first rehearsal room jokes to a packed Prince Bandroom, Anna traces the project’s unlikely rise. Ticket proceeds flow back into school music programs.

Therefore, each gig doubles as a fundraiser and a catalyst for arts participation. Along the way, friendly rivalry, sing-alongs, and clever set lists turn busy parents into confident performers. However, the story is about shows. Anna explains how one enthusiastic parent at each school becomes the spark. Word of mouth travels across playgrounds and sports courts. As a result, new bands form, venues come on board, and momentum builds.

Importantly, the model sits outside formal school administration. That choice keeps the vibe playful while still supporting music education. The episode explores Melbourne’s distinct live-music culture. It also follows new chapters opening in Bondi and beyond. Judges and special guests have added credibility, yet the real draw is the community in the crowd. Furthermore, intergenerational benefits are clear. When children see parents rehearsing and performing, they often start bands of their own. Anna outlines how schools and parents express interest, access a starter kit, and onboard through a purpose-built app.

Consequently, bands focus on rehearsals, song choices, and show night logistics. Tips include choosing popular, high-energy tracks, encouraging sing-alongs, and adding a twist. Mash-ups and creative arrangements often delight audiences and judges alike. Ultimately, Parents Battle of the Bands shows how music can cut through the noise of modern life. It forges friendships, celebrates creativity, and funds future learning. Moreover, it offers a scalable blueprint for any community keen to turn hidden talent into shared joy.

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This month we're talking about life writing.... including what on earth that means. Amy & series regulars Justina, Payton, and Millie may not be experts, but it turns out they've consumed a lot more of the genre than they thought. Join them as they talk about the myriad types of life writing, how scary it is to write about yourself, and why the patriarchy is at it again.

Our Book of the Month is The World Was Whole by Fiona Wright! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

LINKS

• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcast), host Steve Davis welcomes Danni Mattiazzo, assistant principal at Larrakeyah Primary School (larrakeyahprimary.com.au) in Darwin. Recently recognised with the Australian Education Award for Best Use of Technology, Danni Mattiazzo shares how her leadership has guided the development of IntelliLearn, a locally built platform that blends artificial intelligence with evidence-based assessment. Designed to give just the right level of support, IntelliLearn helps teachers differentiate learning while empowering students to take ownership of their progress.

Throughout the discussion, Danni explains how her school integrates Bright Path to transform writing assessment into an accessible, student-friendly process. She highlights the importance of avoiding information overload, showing how carefully crafted feedback builds confidence instead of discouragement. From using data maps to track student growth to embedding collaborative “sprints” that target skill gaps, her approach demonstrates how data can be a powerful ally for teachers rather than an overwhelming burden.

The episode also explores how school culture underpins innovation. Since 2016, Larrakeyah has championed the “Four C’s”- communication, collaboration, creative learning, and critical thinking - as a foundation for preparing students for the future. Danni illustrates how these values play out daily, whether through STEM challenges that link learning to the local environment or classroom practices that push students beyond comfort zones.

This conversation offers a valuable perspective for educators navigating the balance between technology and human connection. By weaving together leadership, assessment, and culture, Danni Mattiazzo presents a clear vision of how schools in diverse, dynamic communities can embrace innovation while ensuring every child feels supported and proud of their achievements.

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In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Ryan Ma, assistant principal of Saltwater P–9 College, one of Australia’s fastest-growing schools. Since opening its gates in 2019 with 490 students, Saltwater has expanded to more than 2,200 learners in just six years. With families representing over 29 nationalities and 81 languages, the school is a living snapshot of modern multicultural Australia.

Ryan explains how Saltwater balances the opportunities and challenges of such rapid growth. From welcoming new families every week to ensuring academic quality across a staff of 250 teachers, the college has re-imagined what it means to create belonging on a large scale. For students, being the “new kid” is a short-lived experience; soon replaced by another arrival: fostering a culture of welcome and adaptability.

Central to Saltwater’s philosophy is the International Baccalaureate framework, with its emphasis on inquiry, student agency, and multiple perspectives. Ryan shares how this approach allows students to move beyond rote learning into deeper, critical engagement with global issues, while also leveraging the diversity of the school community itself as a learning resource.

Staff retention and collaboration are also front and centre. Instead of isolated teaching roles, Saltwater builds faculty teams that plan and problem-solve together, much like diagnostic teams in hospitals. Teachers share insights, support each other, and collectively tackle challenges.

Data plays a pivotal role too. Inspired by the film Moneyball, Ryan demonstrates how tools like Student Maps is used to track progress, support teachers, and ensure strategies are effective. Rather than relying solely on instinct, evidence helps Saltwater refine practice and maintain consistency at scale.

Looking ahead, Ryan reflects on the future of education in Point Cook and beyond. With technology transforming access to information, he argues that schools must focus on relationships, resilience, and collaboration; the skills that will define success in the twenty-first century.

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This week on Amy & we're thrilled to be interviewing romance author and academic, Jodi McAlister, about her career and latest romance novel, An Academic Affair !! Join us as we ask Jodi all about writing romance fiction as an academic from her latest research on bonkbusters and erotic audio, to creating a believable rivals to lovers plot against the backdrop of a 'brutal neoliberal institution that will never love you back' (not to mention dreaming about the perfect wine pairings).

Our Book of the Month is An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister! Grab a copy of the book, read along and join us at the end of the month for our live book club!

LINKS

• Find the TEXT special issue here: Trope Actually - Popular Romance
• Find Jodi here: @jodimcalister
• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndPodcast
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandpodcast
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School’s Bullengerook campus (https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary This is Going to Be Big, (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big) which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham.

Darcy shares how a “yes, and” philosophy helped transform the school’s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunities.

From the documentary’s origin, sparked by a student’s heartfelt declaration, “This is going to be big” - to the decision to weave John Farnham’s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.

The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.

Whether you’re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what’s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.

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Since shooting to fame with “The Rosie Project”, Graeme Simsion has formed a successful writing partnership with his psychiatrist wife, Anne Buist. Here they share with Annie why the mental health system provides such fertile ground for their creativity, the change they hope to see in that world…and the nuts and bolts of working together.

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Can a murder mystery warm your heart? Cath thinks Zane Lovitt has pulled it off and enjoys chatting to him about his good-natured suburban crime story, “The Body Next Door”. It’s got all the captivating characters, clever clues and surprising twists one needs for a truly satisfying whodunit.

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Our random reader also enjoys books he can unwind with such as the mysteries of Alexander McCall Smith and Richard Osman. Or, for a change of pace, the nostalgia of “The Diary of Adrian Mole” series by Sue Townsend or a spot of popular science with “Breath” by James Nestor.

Guests

Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, authors of “The Glass House” and “The Oasis”, books number 1 & 2 in the “Menzies Mental Health” series.

Zane Lovitt, author of “The Body Next Door”.

Other books that get a mention:

Cath also mentions Siang Lu’s Miles Franklin winning novel, ”Ghost Cities”.

Annie mentions “Woo Woo” by Ella Baxter, “All Fours” by Miranda July, “Nighbitch” by Rachel Yonder and “The Slip” by Miriam Webster.

INSTAGRAM
@hachetteaus
@anneebuist
@gcsimsion
@text_publishing
@zane_lovitt

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