Cool People Reading

About Cool People Reading

Your favourite footballers, chefs and influencers — but make it bookish. Steph from @stephanieshouseofbooks gets behind the mic to talk reading, recommendations, and the chaos of fitting books into busy lives with some of Australia's most creative and cool people. Smart talk, hot recommendations and hilarious stories.

Publisher

Obooko

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 Feb 2025

Latest episode

29 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Apr 2026

   Chantel Mila (aka Mama Mila), content creator and cleaning, styling and home hacks expert

   Chantel Mila, also known as Mama Mila to her four million followers, joins Steph to chat about books, balance, and the mental load we don't talk about enough. Known for her cleaning and home styling pro-tips, Chantel shares how she finds time to read in her day, why she can't say no to a suburban psychological thriller, and how we can hack our way to more reading time. Plus, what happened when Chantel discovers Freida McFadden's new book is a choose-your-own-adventure? And what's the book Chantel finished only to realise she'd read it somewhere before.... Plus, Chantel talks about her new book The Fair Share, and shares her advice on sharing the mental load and ways we can avoid shouldering it alone. Chantel Mila is a best selling author of two lifestyle books, including The Dream Clean, a styling, cleaning and organising expert, and mum of two. ++ Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @Mama_Mila_au (https://www.instagram.com/mama_mila_au/) @Stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) Today's reading list: The Fair Share by Chantel Mila The Dream Clean by Chantel Mila None of this is True by Lisa Jewell Never Lie by Freida McFadden The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden The Housemaid by Freida McFadden The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden Atomic Habits by James Clear A Brain that Breaths by Jodi Wilson Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides Paris: the Memoir by Paris Hilton Like Follow Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

2. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Megan Waters, breathwork facilitator, presenter and Nike trainer

   Breathwork facilitator, TV presenter and proud Warumungu/Yawuru woman Megan Waters joins Steph to talk about some of her favourite books and how she fits reading in within her busy life. What are the huge (literally) books Megzy loves? Has the Brick really changed her life? And what happens when she applies the Let Them theory in real life? Megzy also talks about why it's important the Stolen Generation is represented in contemporary literature and non-fiction, and why Archie Roach's book Tell Me Why means so much to her. ++ Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @Megzzy (@Megzzy_) @Stephanieshouseofbooks (instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) Today's reading list: Breath by James Nestor LeBron by Jeff Benedict Unmasked by Turia Pitt Verity by Colleen Hoover Tell Me Why by Archie Roach Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela The Housemaid By Freida McFadden The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

3. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Jodi Wilson, curator of calm, health journalist and author

   We're back! After a few months of down time, Steph is joined by the perfect guest - author of A Brain that Breathes, Jodi Wilson. Jodi talks about how to find your way back after burnout, ways we can find breathing space in our every day lives (and YES, it includes reading!) and shares some of her favourite books (think nature nature nature). Plus, what makes the ultimate nightly cocoon? How do you put yourself to bed? And what happened when Jodi decided to take the plunge and go for a walk without her headphones or her phone?? Jodi Wilson is a bestselling author, yoga teacher and postpartum doula. Her work has been published in the Guardian and ABC, and The Brain that Breathes is her fourth book. ++ Is there a cool person you would like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @practisingsimplicity (https://www.instagram.com/practisingsimplicity/) @stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) Today's reading list: A Brain that Breathes by Jodi Wilson Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley Writers and Lovers by Lily King Heart the Lover by Lily King Sandwich by Catherine Newman Wreck by Catherine Newman The Octopus and I by Erin Hortle A Catalogue of Love by Erin Hortle Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret by Judy Blume Forever by Judy Blume

4. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Ben Shewry, Attica owner and head chef

   Chef and author Ben Shewry discusses his love of books, reading habits, and encounters with authors in this interview with Steph.

5. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Olivia Molly Rogers, podcaster, speaker and mental health advocate

   Podcast host Stephanie interviews Olivia Molly Rogers, an Australian media personality, about her reading habits and how embracing books has helped her connect with her authentic self.

6. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Brandon Jack, former AFL footballer and author

   Host Steph interviews Brandon Jack, former AFL player and author, about how his football career informs his writing, the challenges of critique, and the inspiration behind his novel, *Pissants*.

7. 

   15 Oct 2025

   Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author

   Author Ashley Kalagian Blunt discusses her exploration of technology's vulnerabilities and inspiration for internet-based thrillers with host Steph from @stephanieshouseofbooks in an interview.

8. 

   22 Apr 2025

   Season Finale with Literature Lad

   I'm Steph from ⁠⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and it's our season finale! I'm joined today by @literature_lad (https://www.instagram.com/literature_lad/?hl=en) who has brought a small suitcase of Australian fiction to share with us. Join us as we chat about some of our favourite moments from this season, reflect on Steph's latest favourite book Reservoir Bitches, and manifest the celebs we want to visit the pod next season. Also, Zack announces there will be a Cool People Reading in real life book club, but stay tuned, because we need to work out the details first. Thanks so much for listening to Season One! I hope you've loved it. See you in Season Two! ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @literature_lad (https://www.instagram.com/literature_lad/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠⁠Obooko⁠⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda Animal by Lisa Taddeo Australia Day by Melanie Cheng The Burrow by Melanie Cheng Diving Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi Between a Wolf and a Dog by Georgia Blain Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott Colony by Annika Norlin The Thrill of It by Mandy Beaumont The Furies by Mandy Beaumont An Exciting and Vivid Inner Life by Paul Dalla Rosa Limber Lost by Robbie Arnott The Rain Heron by Robbie Arnott The White Girl by Tony Birch Women and Children by Tony Birch Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson

9. 

   15 Apr 2025

   Marc Pittonet, Carlton

   I'm Steph from ⁠⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm joined by avid reader and AFL player, Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet. Find out how Marc chooses what book to read the night before a big game, how he uses reading books like Fourth Wing as a wellness tool, and what book he's read eight times. Plus, would Marc ever consider reading a book on field during the team warm up like Jack Ginnivan did in round one? ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @marc_pittonet (https://www.instagram.com/marc_pittonet/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠⁠Obooko⁠⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian Mallaby Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Red Notice by Bill Browder Shoedog by Phil Knight Ice Station by Matthew Reilly Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly Harry Potter by JK Rowling Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman Intensity by Pep Lijnders

10. 

    8 Apr 2025

    JP Pomare, author

    I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today - by popular demand - I'm joined by the very funny, award-winning author of seven books, JP Pomare. (https://www.hachette.com.au/jp-pomare/) JP talks about the process of having his crime books adapted for the screen, how cancel culture becomes problematic, and what happened when his ex-girlfriend said her favourite book was Shantaram. He also gives us a sneak peak into the book he's currently writing, a follow up to The Wrong Woman. Plus, JP reveals that he wants to become a book reviewer on Instagram and needs help deciding on a name. JP's psychological thriller In the Clearing was adapted into an eight-part series (https://www.disney.com.au/disney-plus-star/australian-originals/the-clearing)by Disney. His novel The Last Guests has been developed into an erotic thriller airing on Stan (https://www.stan.com.au/watch/watching-you) in late 2025. ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @jppomare (https://www.instagram.com/jppomare/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: The Last Guests by JP Pomare In the Clearing by JP Pomare Harry Potter by JK Rowling Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt The Hollow Girl by Lyn Yeowart Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Prophet Song by Paul Lynch Limberlost by Robbie Arnott The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence

11. 

    1 Apr 2025

    Rose Hartley, author and bookseller

    I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm joined by Adelaide author, Queen of Matilda Bookshop (https://www.matildabookshop.com.au/) and the person responsible for about 90% of my To Be Read pile, Rose Hartley (https://www.instagram.com/rosehartleyauthor/). Rose talks to us about what she did when COVID disrupted her debut novel's promo schedule, the book she told a customer was a 'nothing burger' and why she really loves a 'mean, selfish bitch.' Fans of short books, make sure you check out today's reading list because you're not going to want to miss any of Rose's brilliant recommendations. ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @rosehartley (https://www.instagram.com/rosehartleyauthor/) Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Maggie’s Going Nowhere by Rose Hartley DisGraced (https://www.audible.com.au/pd/DisGraced-Audiobook/B0F1MP1TNJ) by Rose Hartley Time of the Flies by Claudia Piñeiro The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa All Fours by Miranda July Breakdown by Cathy Sweeney The Dry Heart by Natalia Ginzburg The Coin by Yasmin Zaher My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh The Most by Jessica Anthony Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith The Details by Ia Genberg What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner Random Acts of Senseless Violence by Jack Womack The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Outline by Rachel Cusk The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood Persuasion by Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

12. 

    25 Mar 2025

    Nathan Currie from Nine News Melbourne

    I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm talking to Nine News Sports Reporter, former Sunrise correspondent and aspiring author Nathan Currie. (https://www.instagram.com/nathanjcurrie/?hl=en) Nathan gives us a crash course in what Fourth Wing is actually about, how working with Jane Harper at the Geelong Advertiser inspired him, and how he balances his job as a reporter with fatherhood, his love of Stephen King, and writing his own books. Plus, what Nepo Book Baby is Nathan never going to read again? ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @nathancurrie (https://www.instagram.com/nathanjcurrie/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Once There Was a Way by Bryce Zabel Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling It by Stephen King The Shining by Stephen King Misery by Stephen King The Dry by Jane Harper The Lost Man by Jane Harper Force of Nature by Jane Harper Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt The Dark Tower by Stephen King Prophet Song by Paul Lynch Open by Andre Agassi I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Dracula by Bram Stoker The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 28 by Brandon Jack

13. 

    18 Mar 2025

    Shay from Tough Guy Book Club

    Today we chat to Shay, the founder of ⁠Tough Guy Book Club⁠ (https://www.toughguybookclub.com/), a global book club for guys in pubs. From humble beginnings in a Collingwood beer garden, find out how Tough Guy Book Club came about, how habit stacking has led to Shay taking paperbacks to birthday parties, and what a group of men really get up to when they go on book club camp. Plus, what guest is never, ever invited to a chapter meeting? ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) ⁠@toughguybookclub⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/toughguybookclub/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway The Secret History by Donna Tartt Neuromancer by William Gibson Honeybee by Craig Silvey Home by Toni Morrison The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Atomic Habits by James Clear Still Life by Sarah Winman On the Road by Jack Kerouac Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky The Gun by C.S. Forester

14. 

    11 Mar 2025

    Romina from Casa Capri

    I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm chatting with Romina, the founder of bespoke Melbourne jewellery label Casa Capri (https://casacaprijewellery.com.au/). Romy talks about how she fits reading into her life with three busy boys, the memoirs that inspire her and why she refuses to read fiction. Plus we reminisce about the wonderful world of John Marsden and introduce Romy to 'book people' lingo. ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @casacapri (https://www.instagram.com/casacaprijewellery/) Presented by Obooko (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Of Gold and Dust by Samantha Wills Down the Drain by Julia Fox Hanging by a Thread by Erin Deering Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden Letters from the Inside by John Marsden Dear Miffy by John Marsden Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Kristin Loberg Mothering our Boys by Maggie Dent From Boys to Men by Maggie Dent The Sky so Heavy by Claire Zorn

15. 

    4 Mar 2025

    Sarah Jones from Fox Footy

    I'm Steph from ⁠@Stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm talking to Fox Footy and Fox Cricket commentator, avid bookworm and historical fiction devotee Sarah Jones (https://www.instagram.com/sarahjonesfoxfooty/?hl=en). Sarah shares her tips for fitting reading in during a busy day, how she considers reading her meditation, and her ultimate red flags when it comes to choosing a new book. Plus Sarah shares her favourite tips for developing a love of literature in kids, beyond 'the cat on the mat' readers from school. ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: ⁠@stephanieshouseofbooks⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @sarahjonesfoxfooty (https://www.instagram.com/sarahjonesfoxfooty/?hl=en) Presented by ⁠Obooko⁠ (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff Open by Andre Agassi The Adventures of the Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton Beartown by Fredrick Backman Us Against You by Fredrik Backman The Winners by Fredrik Backman Anxious People by Fredrik Backman A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman Tully by Paullina Simons The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons Red Leaves by Paullina Simons Light at Lavelle by Paullina Simons Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Bee Sting by Paul Murray Duck À L'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods

16. 

    25 Feb 2025

    Kimberley Allsopp, author and publicist

    I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm chatting to author, book publicist and mum of two, Kimberley Allsopp (https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyallsopp/). Find out how Kimberley finds the time to read, the hilarious reason she hasn't seen Baby Girl, and if being a book publicist is just like being on our favourite TV show Younger. Plus, what did guests at a late night book dinner let on about Anne Tyler's new book? Kimberley is the author of ⁠Love and Other Puzzles⁠ (https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460714348/love-and-other-puzzles/) (Harper Collins, 2022) and the soon to be released⁠ Rise and Shine⁠ (https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460761199/rise-and-shine/) (Harper Collins, 2025). ++ Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @kimberleyallsopp (https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyallsopp/?hl=en) Presented by Obooko (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. ++ Today’s reading list: Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberley Allsopp Rise and Shine by Kimberley Allsopp Somebody Down There Likes Me by Robert Lukins Water by John Boyne A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne The Echo Chamber by John Boyne Earth by John Boyne Fire by John Boyne Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides Didion + Babitz by Lili Anolik Three Days in June by Anne Tyler Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin Sandwich by Catherine Newman We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman Another Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin You Be Mother by Meg Mason Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

17. 

    19 Feb 2025

    Pilot with Literature Lad

    Welcome to our first episode! I'm Steph from @Stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) and today I'm chatting to the coolest man on bookstagram, Zack from @literaturelad.⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/literature_lad/) We discuss our mutual love of Bret Easton Ellis, what really happened at Dolly Alderton’s show, and the magic '50 page rule’. Plus, which iconic author does one of us shamefully admit to never reading? Is there a cool person you’d like to hear on our podcast? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on socials: @stephanieshouseofbooks (https://www.instagram.com/stephanieshouseofbooks/) @literaturelad (https://www.instagram.com/literature_lad/) Presented by Obooko (https://www.obooko.com/)—your go-to spot for free e-books. Today’s reading list: Trust by Hernan Diaz Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Coventry by Rachel Cusk Outline by Rachel Cusk Aftermath by Rachel Cusk The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis The Informers by Bret Easton Ellis Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst The Bee Sting by Paul Murray Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton The Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Who has been a guest on Cool People Reading

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ben Shewry
• Olivia Molly Rogers
• Brandon Jack
• Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

18 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Cool People Reading

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.