Oct 27, 202637 minS1
<p>What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive...
About this Podcast:
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.
Pitch Analysis
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Contact path
Public web form
Booking probability
28%
Guest openness
Selective
80/100
Required Score
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What is First Read about?
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.
Who hosts First Read?
First Read is hosted by Penguin Books Australia. The show has published 14 episodes to date.
What has First Read covered recently?
Recent episodes include "From Mao's Last Dancer to the Lucky Son - Li Cunxin's latest chapter (Part 2)" (27 October 2026, 37 minutes), "Li Cunxin's incredible journey to becoming Mao's Last Dancer (Part 1)" (20 October 2026, 34 minutes), and "Julie Goodwin on coming 'Home For Dinner', and back to herself" (13 October 2026, 54 minutes).
How often does First Read publish?
First Read publishes roughly weekly, with episodes averaging 42 minutes across 14 episodes.
How hard is it to get booked on First Read?
Booking probability for First Read is 28%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. First Read requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. First Read's contact route on record: public web form.
Who should pitch First Read?
The strongest fits for First Read are News, Magazine & Book Publishing. First Read has an arts audience.
About the host
Penguin Books Australia hosts First Read, an arts podcast with 14 episodes published.
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Recent episodes
Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.
Oct 20, 202634 minS1<p>What happens when a young peasant boy is given the chance to dance his way onto the world stage? For Li Cunxin, it was all about making the most of his luck. In our in depth interview with the internationally...
- Oct 13, 202654 minS1
<p>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...
- Oct 6, 202627 minS1
<p>Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now. </p><p>In Part 2, we discuss the teen years and beyond. We reflect on...
- Sep 29, 202641 minS1
<p>What happens when our boys and their behaviour starts spiralling out of control? In Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey, author of Ten Things I Wish You Knew About...
View More
- Sep 22, 202655 minS1
<p>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...
- Sep 15, 202649 minS1
<p>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...
- Sep 8, 202653 minS1
<p>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...
- Sep 1, 202642 minS1
<p>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...
- Aug 25, 202649 minS1
<p>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...
- Aug 18, 202645 minS1
<p>What happens when the most difficult period of your life is broadcast live across the country? For Antoinette Lattouf, the answer was to write. During her landmark court case against the countries public broadcaster...
Episode #3
Bek Condello on escaping a cult, and finding herself while writing 'Can You Handle A Girl Like Me?'
Aug 11, 202650 minS1<p>What happens when your whole life has been controlled by the confines of a cult, and you finally break free? Bek Condello's experience within the doomsday cult Geelong Revival Centre is what begins her new book, Can...
Episode #2
Marc Fennell on writing his 'deeply uncomfortable' history book, 'Stuff the British Stole'
Aug 4, 202648 minS1<p>What happens when history stops being polite? In this wide-ranging author interview, Marc Fennell explains Stuff the British Stole, an “Indiana Jones in reverse” journey through the British empire, and the wild...
- Jul 28, 202643 minS1
<p>What is the most dangerous idea an author can have? Sarah Wilson believes it's the loss of hope. In this insightful best-selling author interview, we discuss the rise of fascism, the importance of truth in an...
- Jul 21, 20261 minS0
<p>First, Read is 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...
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