The meeting ground for big ideas, compelling stories, and the conversations shaping our world. Insightful author interviews with leading thinkers, bestselling writers, and the experts behind today's most talked-about non-fiction books. Join Charle Malycon for this weekly podcast from Penguin, providing thoughtful conversation, expert analysis, and engaging cultural commentary. From politics, history, religion, business, society + culture, to conversations about cults, conspiracy theories, and the forces shaping our lives. First, Read - new episodes every Wednesday. Powered by Penguin.
Julie Goodwin on coming 'Home For Dinner', and back to herself
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.
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.
6 Oct 2026
Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 2: The Teen Years and Beyond
Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now.
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.
29 Sept 2026
Dr. Billy Garvey on Raising Boys Part 1: The Early Years
Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now.
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.
22 Sept 2026
George Megalogenis on immigration, One Nation, and Australia's future
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.
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.
15 Sept 2026
Dr Anastasia Hronis on gambling, addiction and our overstimulated world
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 Ovestimulated: Finding Calm and Connection in a Noisy World, and the cutting-edge neuroscience research that led her to write them.
First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Anastasia Hronis.
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 Sept 2026
Dr Fatima Khan on navigating perimenopause and why 'Hormone Health is Mental Health'
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.
First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Fatima Khan.
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.
1 Sept 2026
Amie McNee on the transformative power of creativity, and her book 'We Need Your Art'
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.
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.
25 Aug 2026
Dr. Amantha Imber on the extreme burnout that inspired 'The Energy Game'
What happens when a work and energy expert experiences extreme burnout? For Dr. Amantha Imber, it gave her the impetus to start researching how to gameify energy and to write her most personal book yet. We talk through the four energy types, how to manage your energy accounts, and the suprisingly simple, science-backed tricks that can get you out of an energy slump.
First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Amantha Imber.
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.
18 Aug 2026
Antoinette Lattouf on writing 'Women Who Win' while fighting her greatest battle
Journalist Antoinette Lattouf shares how she wrote her bestselling book 'Women Who Win' during her landmark court case, offering inspiration and insights into truth-telling in journalism, in this interview with host Charle Malycon.
11 Aug 2026
Bek Condello on escaping a cult, and finding herself while writing 'Can You Handle A Girl Like Me?'
Host Charle Malycon interviews author Bek Condello about her memoir detailing her escape from a cult and subsequent journey of self-discovery.
4 Aug 2026
Marc Fennell on writing his 'deeply uncomfortable' history book, 'Stuff the British Stole'
Host Charle Malycon interviews author Marc Fennell about his "Stuff the British Stole" book, exploring contested objects and the empire's hidden histories.
28 Jul 2026
Sarah Wilson on writing her most dangerous book yet, 'I Eat the Stars'
Host Charle Malycon interviews author Sarah Wilson about her new book, exploring the dangers of lost hope and the urgent need for truth and sustainable futures.
21 Jul 2026
Introducing First, Read: The Meeting Ground for Big Ideas
Host Charle Malycon interviews leading thinkers and bestselling authors about the ideas shaping our world, offering insightful analysis and engaging cultural commentary.
Who has been a guest on First Read
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Antoinette Lattouf
Bek Condello
Marc Fennell
Sarah Wilson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Contact First Read
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about First Read
Who hosts First Read?
Charle Malycon host the show. Published by Penguin Books Australia.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does First Read take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of First Read?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
