What is the place of morality in public policy? In his latest book, Mean Streak, journalist Rick Morton investigates the Robodebt debacle and what it tells us about our society.

Turning seemingly improbable futures into plausible inevitabilities, bending the boundaries of genre and sparking the reader’s imagination in thrilling ways, Siang Lu and Kate Mildenhall talk adventures and dystopias in this in-depth discussion of their latest books.

Traversing class, culture, sexuality and history, this considered conversation about three brilliant books explores masculinity and maternal bonds with depth, love and humour.

Bestselling novelist Pip Williams joins ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans for a wide-ranging conversation about life, books, history and writing.

‘If you found out you had less time to live than the average bear, how might you spend it?’ Beloved comedian Michelle Brasier and acclaimed writer and doctor, Peter Goldsworthy discuss turning to humour and creativity in the face of their own mortality, with ABC Radio Sydney’s James Valentine.

Blending scientific inquiry with remarkable creativity, from the great forests to the far reaches of outer space, Ceridwen Dovey and Dave Witty discuss their beautiful new books with ABC Radio Sydney’s Renee Krosch.

Explore the power of language, both as a tool for advocacy and activism, or as an intentional tool to do harm, in this vital conversation hosted by co-convenor of Western Sydney University’s Palestine Project Dr Souheir Edelbi.

Festival favourite Nardi Simpson discusses her hotly anticipated new book, The Belburd, a masterfully woven novel about creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life.

With 48 books under his belt, Dr Karl has finally written a memoir! Join him to discover how a shy Polish immigrant kid evolved into the fabulously eccentric Dr Karl.

Michelle de Kretser, winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award (twice!), discusses her new book, Theory and Practice, a mesmerising account of desire and jealousy, truth and shame.

In Always Was, Always Will Be, bestselling author Thomas Mayo investigates ‘what's next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. He is joined in conversation by local illustrator and proud Bundjalung woman Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.

Four writers deeply versed in the transformative power of poetry discuss class, community, collaboration and survival in their latest collections, each experimental in form and expansive in vision.

With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, there’s no stopping Liane Moriarty. She discusses her latest novel, Here One Moment, with Kate Mildenhall.

Join New Zealand poet, author and playwright Dominic Hoey as he discusses his impressive back-catalogue and bestsellers with artist, poet and frontman of Hip Hop outfit Horrorshow, Nick Solo.

Vulnerable and fierce, hilarious and heartbreaking, Queerstories celebrates the culture and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community one true story at a time. An institution around the country, Queerstories has played to crowds big and small, from Mudgee to Murwillumbah, Albury to Adelaide, Brisbane and beyond.

Join us for this timely conversation about US politics and its impact on Australia, with leading expert Bruce Wolpe, in conversation with host of ABC TV’s Planet America, John Barron.

Join Varuna’s poetry circle, an annual institution that’s been running for more than 30 years. Share your own poem or simply listen to others in this celebration of community and words.

We are thrilled to welcome the inaugural winner of Alone Australia, rewilding facilitator and writer, Gina Chick, to deliver The Mick Dark Talk for the Future, our annual keynote address on the environment.

The master of thrills and twists, international bestseller Chris Hammer discusses his latest book, The Valley, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Renee Krosch.