Author Interview

Jackie Norman met her soulmate, sold her suburban home and swapped it for life on the road travelling around New Zealand in a campervan. She tells her fascinating tale of discovery in her new book, My… Audio

Vancouver actress Sarah Edmondson spent 12 years in the NXIVM cult. She eventually blew the whistle and has a new book, Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, The Cult That Bound My Life. Audio

Novelist, travel writer and academic, Sarah Moss is earning rave reviews for her latest novel Ghost Wall. It's been described as a Brexit-inspired parable, populated by characters plotting a path… Audio

Writer, journalist, avid reader and disability advocate Robyn Hunt (ONZM) is this year's recipient of the New Zealand Arts Access Accolade. It's a recognition of the support she's given to Arts Access… Audio

Colossal wind-riders. Vocal Australians that form civil unions. Silver-tongued nectar sippers. Other names for these birds are the albatross, black swan and bellbird. A new book called The Brilliance… Audio, Gallery

Liquids – they can kill you, save your life, or combine to make the perfect cup of tea. British scientist Mark Miodownik has written a book extolling their dangers and delights: Liquid Rules. Audio

Dr Deborah Lipstadt has spent her life studying hate - specifically, the hatred of Jews. The Atlanta-based historian and author wrote about antisemitism in her 1993 book 'Denying the Holocaust' and… Audio

The convicted sex offender - Australian Catholic Cardinal George Pell, looks likely to continue his legal bid for freedom with an application to the High Court, effectively his final chance at… Audio

 Forbes magazine publisher Rich Karlgaard believes our obsession with young overachievers is misguided as he believes lifelong success should take time. His book on the topic is Late Bloomers: The… Audio

In 'Fifteen Million Years in Antarctica' science journalist Rebecca Priestley tells the story of her visits to the 'wide white continent' that started in 2011. With a lifelong interest in the place, a… Audio

Best selling Scottish crime writer Val McDermid has sold more than 15 million copies of her work worldwide. She's arrived in New Zealand to take up a role as a visiting Professor of Scottish Studies… Audio

New Zealand stick insects have proved while they can't move fast, they can move far.Three native species travelled to the other side of the world and are now living wild in southwest Britain.  Audio, Gallery

In his book, The Maths of Life and Death - Why maths is almost everything, mathematical biologist Kit Yates explains how maths underpins everything we do. He presents seven hidden mathematical rules… Audio

Dr Anne Aly is the first Muslim woman to be sworn in to the Australian Federal parliament. Born in Egypt, her family moved to Australia when she was a young girl. Growing up, she says she perfected… Audio

Bringing te reo Māori into the family home and into workplaces is a mission for Scotty and Stacey Morrison. The couple is at the forefront of a resurgence in te reo. Both have new books out; Stacey's… Audio

Feminist writer Sady Doyle says the monster or villain labels have been used to define women who dare to be different. Audio

Cal Newport's latest book Digital Minimalism calls out our enslavement to digital devices. He explains why there is nothing natural about the engineered behaviour of checking your phone every five… Audio

English novelist Robert Harris's new book The Second Sleep has all the trappings of a historical novel, but actually it's set far in the future.  Audio

American writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner has profiled an amazing range of celebrities – and is best known for her deep dive into the Goopy world of Gwyneth Paltrow. She talks to Kim Hill about celebrity… Audio