Shows
TransqatTransqat Episode 111: Christa SteinerMiss Constitution State 2026 talks with Clare about mental health and recovery, pageant life, and all things queer.Transqat is a safe space for respectful conversations about transgender issues and queer people. Learn more at transqat.com.Show Notes:Sponsor: Prism Counseling CTChuckles XIChrista SteinerMiss ConnecticutMiss AmericaNAMIBipolar Type 1Manhattan School of Music
2026-02-0654 min
Strong Songs"Rosanna" by TotoKirk kicks off Strong Songs Season Eight with a second helping of Toto, whose song "Africa" got the very first episode of Strong Songs he ever made. This time around he's focusing on 1982's "Rosanna," a song that shows just what Toto could do when every member of the band gave it their all.Written by: David PaichAlbum: Toto IV, 1982Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:Guess That Record Interview with David PaichToto Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, 1991Music Radar interview with Porcaro and Paich about...
2026-01-161h 00
Strong SongsThe Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad AbumradWriter, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti.DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990“Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004Excerpt from Port(al), music by Paola Prestini and Jad Abumrad, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus“It’s Highlife Time” and “Amaechi’s Blues” by Fela Kuti and his Koola Lobitos, ca. 1963-69“Jeun Ko Ku,” “Eko Ile,” and “Je’nwi Temi” by Fela Kuti from Afrodesiac, 1973“Zombie” by Fela Kut...
2025-11-141h 56
Tales of SuspenseMiss Marple in A POCKET FULL OF RYE | Starring June WhitfieldIn this gripping episode from the beloved BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic mystery A Pocket Full of Rye, the sharp-witted Miss Jane Marple unravels a complex murder case at Yewtree Lodge. When a wealthy businessman is found dead under bizarre circumstances, Miss Marple's keen observational skills and deep understanding of human nature prove crucial in solving the crime.CAST:Miss Marple: June WhitfieldInspector Neele: Nicky HensonRex Fortescue: Derek WaringPercival: Peter YappJennifer: Natasha PyneLance: Ian MastersPatricia: Annabel MullionElaine: Deborah Berlin...
2025-09-131h 29
Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Born a CrimeIn this episode, Clare speaks with Sonia Murr about Trevor Noah's memoir, 'Born A Crime'. The text is a wild ride, careering from absolutely hilarious to gut-wrenchingly heart-breaking in the turn of a page, and it provides a unique vantage point to interrogate the impacts of apartheid in South Africa. Sonia's reflections and insights into the novel are thoughtful and considered, especially around political correctness and engaging with this text meaningfully in a classroom. If you are interested in reading more of Sonia's insights, she is the author of the VATE teaching notes, available for download here: h...
2023-08-1449 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Things Fall ApartIn this episode, Clare speaks with Philip Thiel about Chinua Achebe's critically acclaimed novel, 'Things Fall Apart'. Together, they discuss the importance of understanding a post-colonial lens as a means of exploring this text, and how Achebe invites his reader into this narrative through his decision to write the novel in English. Further, this conversation centres on the significance of gender, and not just masculinity, but femininity too, and how Achebe interrogates these constructs in his depiction of traditional Igbo society. Support the Show.Follow Teachers Talk Texts on Instagram - @teacherstalktexts
2023-07-1052 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Much Ado About Nothing #2Kat from BEAR Learn returns in this episode, flipping the script and putting Clare in the hot seat to answer questions about Much Ado About Nothing. Having recently authored analysis of 50 key quotations from the play in collaboration with BEAR Learn, this conversation dips into some of the key ideas and concerns of Shakespeare, and how students can streamline their study by honing in on high utility quotations that can do heavy lifting in analysis. The conversation gives a little taste of what the analysis includes, and students (or teachers!) can click on the links below if they are...
2023-04-1051 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Nine Days #2Clare is joined by Melinda Keyte in this conversation, to discuss Toni Jordan's novel, 'Nine Days'. The discussion is rich and broad, as Melinda speaks knowledgeably and passionately about the text, including ideas of women's emancipation, the symbolism of the house on Rowena Parade, Jordan's rich characterisation and the importance of love in upholding social values in difficult times. The novel itself traverses a period of significant change in Australia, and so there is much to explore. Even those with a confident conception of their understanding of the novel should listen in, as this discussion will challenge and inspire...
2023-03-0959 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Sunset BoulevardTeachers Talk Texts is BACK! After a brief hiatus, Clare is back in the recording chair, accompanied by new baby Scarlett, ready to talk texts. In this episode, she is joined by Ashleigh Cavalin to discuss one of the new films to the Year 12 text list - Billy Wilder's 'Sunset Boulevard'. The conversation delves into the symbolism of the film, and how Wilder used this film as a mechanism to criticise and condemn the Hollywood industry of the time. From fancy cars to rats in the pool, listen in for some insights into a true classic. ...
2023-02-1446 min
isPodcastHelping great teachers grow and ending the coward punchMike Broadstock learns about the work that the Pat Cronin Foundation does in schools to help end the coward punch with Pat's father, Matt Cronin, and Natalie Moutafis speaks with Haileybury master teacher Clare Mackie about the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. You can find transcripts and links to what we discussed on our podcast page. Please connect with ISV on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
2022-08-1032 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Pride and Prejudice 3...and Teachers Talk Texts is back for Season 3! Have you missed me? In this episode, Clare speaks with Punita Mistry about Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. If you are looking for a critically feminist reading of the text, this is your episode. If you are a bit unsure about critically feminist readings of texts, have a listen anyway, because Punita's arguments are so well evidenced and articulated that even Clare was swayed into questioning the absolute nature of Lizzy and Darcy's love (shock!). Support the Show.Follow Teachers Talk Texts on Instagram - @t...
2022-05-1555 min
Gayest Episode EverCoach Meets a Gay Guy "A Real Guy's Guy" (October 25,1991) Hear us out here: Coach is a good sitcom even if you don't like football. In fact, Drew likes Coach even though he actively despises football. This fourth-season episode has Craig T. Nelson's character reacting to news that one of his players is gay, and it's actually pretty flawless in terms of what a gay episode can be: a sympathetically written one-off queer character + a realistic model for how someone who isn't comfortable around LGBTers can admit this without taking it out on anyone else. In short, a total grand slam. Watch the opening sequence to...
2022-05-111h 24
The TSW PodcastDaisy Malin:The Optimistic WarriorIn this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to Daisy Malin (DaisyMalin_Skin on instagram) about her recovery to date, how life has paused in some areas, but how she has personally evolved in many brilliant and unexpected ways. We speak about having courage to go out and face the world, natural healing, TSW social media pros and cons and relationships.
Daisy is the co-host of the 'Itch n Bitch' podcast with Katie Mackie, which discusses living with a range of skin disorders, including eczema and TSW.
Daisy refers to the TSW Atlas video...
2022-04-121h 01
The TSW PodcastDaisy Malin:The Optimistic WarriorIn this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to Daisy Malin (DaisyMalin_Skin on instagram) about her recovery to date, how life has paused in some areas, but how she has personally evolved in many brilliant and unexpected ways. We speak about having courage to go out and face the world, natural healing, TSW social media pros and cons and relationships.
Daisy is the co-host of the 'Itch n Bitch' podcast with Katie Mackie, which discusses living with a range of skin disorders, including eczema and TSW.
Daisy refers to the TSW Atlas video...
2022-04-121h 01
Tony's Irish Country and Craic PartyTony's Irish Country and Craic Party Saturday 9th April 2022The best soundtrack for your post Grand National Party.Hermes House Band Int. Country RoadsJoe Dolan Common PeopleDickie Rock I write the songsBrendan Bowyer HucklebuckEamon McCann Tight Fittin JeansShauna McStravock Music Love Shine a LightCiaran Rosney You're the oneSean Corrigan Full time foolClubsound George Jones Alan McCartney Ballymour Grouse BeatersSammy Mackie RIP I'm yer man Northern Ireland World Cup SongNiamh Lynn Country Music Sing me an old fashioned songShawn Cuddy MedleyJohn Hogan - Singer/Songwriter...
2022-04-091h 59
Strong SongsStrong Covers, Vol. 2Three different artists! Three different covers! Of songs by one beloved band!On the second edition of "Strong Covers," we're digging into covers of three Beatles classics: Earth, Wind & Fire's maximalist remake of "Gotta Get You Into My Life," Ray Charles' saucy reimagining of "Eleanor Rigby," and Bobby McFerrin's delicate recitation of "Blackbird." Come for the English-accented rhyme schemes, stay for the impeccable voice leading.Covered (lol) on this episode:"Gotta Get You Into My Life" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978"Eleanor Rigby" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as c...
2022-02-1155 min
Sound Compilation of Full Audiobooks in Science Fiction & FantasyEm & Me - Beth MorreyListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://epod.spaceTitle: Em & MeAuthor: Beth MorreyNarrator: Pearl MackieFormat: UnabridgedLength: 10:01:41Language: EnglishRelease date: 02-03-2022Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers UKGenres: Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, Coming of Age, Family LifeSummary:Beth Morrey's brand new, joyful and uplifting novel, LUCKY DAY, is available to pre-order now
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy
A mother.
A daughter.
A secret waiting to be uncovered.
For too long – since the sudden death of...
2022-02-0310h 01
Get Top Full Audiobooks in Fiction, DramaEm & Me by Beth MorreyPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/506616 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Em & Me Author: Beth Morrey Narrator: Pearl Mackie Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 10 hours 1 minute Release date: February 3, 2022 Genres: Drama Publisher's Summary: Beth Morrey's brand new, joyful and uplifting novel, LUCKY DAY, is available to pre-order now From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy A mother. A daughter. A secret waiting to be uncovered. For too long – since the sudden death of her mother as a teenager, since the birth of her daughter, Em, when she was just seventeen – Delphine has been unable to let go of the...
2022-02-0305 min
Strong Songs"Blood and Thunder" by MastodonWhite! Whale! Holy! Grail!Strong Songs kicks off year four by getting H-E-A-V-Y, with an analysis of Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder." Pass straight past the Mellow Meadows, through the Forests and the Foothills of Rock, and see if you can reach the summit of Hard Mountain. The view from up there is amazing.Written by: MastodonAlbum: Leviathan, 2004Listen/Buy on all platforms via SongwhipOUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk HamiltonKirk is the host of Strong Songs, and he's been having a lot of fun with the guitar...
2022-01-1442 min
VATE VillageSpotlight on Teachers Talk Texts: with Clare MackieClare Mackie joins Emma in this episode of VATE Village to talk about her podcast, Teachers Talk Texts. Clare's podcast started in September 2020 and since then she has produced 27 episodes with 29 educators from across Victoria unpacking 25 texts from the VCE English text list. Listen in to hear how Teachers Talk Texts can support you in the classroom. For links to the Teachers Talk Texts podcast, Clare's website and to get in contact with her, visit https://www.vate.org.au/vate-village.VCE® is a registered trademark of the VCAA. VCAA does not endorse the content of this podcast.
2021-11-1436 min
Strong SongsSinging Like A Star, with Eric VetroWhat do Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, John Legend, and Katy Perry have in common? They all study with Eric Vetro, one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in the world.On this bonus episode, Kirk sits down with Vetro to talk about his fascinating job, how to build good habits for a strong voice, and the art and discipline (and diet!) of professional singing.CHECK OUT ERIC'S PODCAST!Eric has a fantastic new podcast called Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro, where he sits down with his superstar students to talk about their lives...
2021-11-1055 min
After the Bell with @educatinglauraTeaching, tutoring and the hustleThis is my discussion with Clare Mackie
We originally connected through her podcast: Teachers Talk Texts; an incredible show to support VCE English students.
She is now on After the Bell to discuss:
Teaching English and Literature
Favourite texts
Evolution of pedagogy
Leadership
Tutoring
The wish for more flexibility in this job
The hustle of teachers outside of the 8-4, including side/passion projects
This really feels like a natural conversation you may overhear in the staffroom.
I must admit, the best part of this podcast as an educator is to...
2021-10-311h 36Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Ransom and The Queen 2In this final episode of the 2021 season, Clare is joined by Lisa Wilks-Beasy to discuss David Malouf's mythological reimagining, 'Ransom', and Stephen Frears' film, 'The Queen'. The conversation explores a range of points of connection and disconnection, as Lisa confidently moves from text to test, identifying pertinent analytical points. Malouf's rich storytelling and description is placed in comparison with Frears directorial style, including acknowledging his use of real historical footage of the time. Fundamentally, both texts foster empathy in their reader and audience to the difficulties that leaders face in negotiating the challenges thrown at them. Support t...
2021-10-2355 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk The Crucible and The DressmakerClare is joined for the second time by the knowledgeable and insightful Sophia Marsden-Smith for a conversation that explores the big ideas of Arthur Miller's pivotal play, 'The Crucible', and Rosalie Ham's dark novel, 'The Dressmaker'. Together, Sophia and Clare explore the elements of Australian Gothic, in the case of 'The Dressmaker' and the historical allegory of Miller's play, and the underlying fear that is inherent in the communities of both texts. Fundamentally, these texts are important because they reveal the truth of human experience, and how individuals, and how women, seek to claim their agency in a world...
2021-10-1941 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk After DarknessIn this episode, Clare speaks with Tahnee Dwyer about Christine Piper's 'After Darkness'. The conversation spans the entire text, as Tahnee expertly weaves through the three interwoven plotlines, culminating in a rather contentious epilogue. Piper's incredible skill in characterisation and use of setting to reflect a character's inner mind is explored, as well as the text's capacity to evoke empathy in the reader, to better understand the experience of individuals placed in impossible positions, and the ramifications of this on a life. If you are interested in more of Tahnee's analysis, head to: https://bearlearn.com/product...
2021-10-161h 03Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Tracks and Charlie's CountryIn this episode, Clare is joined by Tania Castauro to discuss the comparative text pairing of Robyn Davidson's 'Tracks' and Rolf de Heer's film, 'Charlie's Country'. Tania has a strong understanding of the two texts, and confidently shares her interpretations around the parallels between the path Charlie takes and the trip Robyn embarks upon. Engaging actively with these two texts is a significant undertaking, as the issues and ideas they explore, provoke and condemn serve as critical reminders of our nation's past, and a reminder of our unavoidable responsibility as Australians. The discomfort that comes with reading a...
2021-09-121h 02Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Reckoning and The NamesakeThis week, Clare speaks with the amazing Kat from @bearlearn, who knows these two texts deeply and is therefore able to identify and analyse the fundamental points of comparison between them. This conversation considers the different ways that Szubanski and Lahiri construct their respective texts, and the crucial parallel between them in their advocation of seeking an understanding of one's parents in order to understand one's identity. Kat's ideas and analysis are really interesting and unique, and ultimately reflect why these two texts are important reading for all Australians. Besides her excellent knowledge of these two texts...
2021-09-051h 11Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Stasiland and Never Let Me GoClare is joined by Leon Furze for the first conversation about a text pairing this season - 'Stasiland' by Anna Funder and 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro. The conversation examines the undercurrent of threat evident in both texts, and how each author creates such a mood. While it can be said that 'Never Let Me Go' is comparatively a more basic and simplistic text than 'Stasiland', Leon's insights into Ishiguro's authorial expertise reveal the depth of the novel's message. These two texts explore the human condition under pressure, and how love is able to be...
2021-08-2257 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Station Eleven 2Clare is joined by Sue Hatton in this conversation today, focusing on Emily St John Mandel's Station Eleven. Sue's perspective on the novel is unique, and she provides some interesting observations and reflections about dystopia as a genre, which builds an interpretation of the text, a valuable concept for students to understand for their own writing. Particularly, Sue connects the characterisation of the characters, and their tendency to fade in and out of the narrative, to a broader allusion to religion and the construct of a saviour. This episode is definitely worth a listen if you are studying Station E...
2021-07-1753 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Women of Troy 3Clare returns to a favourite text in this episode - Euripides 'The Women of Troy' with Danni (@teachingthevce). While this may be the third episode discussing the text, the direction of the conversation is completely different, beginning with the importance of the text in reflecting the full scope of the human experience - both joy and sadness - and then drilling down into some character studies. After all, who hasn't been a Helen at some point? Support the Show.Follow Teachers Talk Texts on Instagram - @teacherstalktexts
2021-05-2356 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Pride and Prejudice 2In this episode, Clare speaks with Kirrily MacRaild about Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. Both Kirrily and Clare have a long history with this text, first studying it as teenage students, and continuing to engage with it throughout their lifetimes, resulting in a deep appreciation for the characters and their motivations, but also a capacity to reflect on their changing understanding of these characters. The conversation includes an alternate reading of Darcy, once considered rude and arrogant, but perhaps he is just misunderstood. Let Clare know what you think by commenting on Instagram - @teacherstalktexts Support the S...
2021-05-0952 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Nine DaysIn this week's episode, Clare speaks with Suzanne Toniolo about Toni Jordan's Nine Days. The conversation considers Jordan's decisions regarding narrative structure and perspective, and how students can build interpretations of the text from these elements, as well as syntactical analysis. Further to this, Jordan's explicit engagement with the hardships that Australians faced during the 20th Century, particularly women, is a topic of interrogation, and the importance of engaging actively with these more difficult and challenging parts of the text is highlighted. This is another episode where students would benefit from having their text and highlighters with them, as...
2021-04-2550 min
After the Bell with @educatinglauraCath Williams - The teachergram mentorThis is my conversation with Cath Williams.
She is an experienced teacher, kindness advocate and fellow podcaster. Check out her show Get ConnectED
We talk all about the beauty of connection through social media, taking risks in the classroom and seeking out support when needed.
Cath mentions a number of great accounts to follow including:
@drjodycarrington
@mrsmacskinders
@roman.nowak
@corifraser ( principal)
@ourcreativeclassroom (wellbeing group)
We also reference a number of my previous conversations including:
Mr J's Learning Space
Nathan Van...
2021-03-211h 15Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Women of Troy 2This week, Clare is revisiting Euripides' play 'The Women of Troy' with @educatinglaura, who is also a podcaster, hosting 'After the Bell with @educatinglaura'. Laura's perspective on the play is incredibly interesting, and the conversation commences with a discussion of how Euripides is using his platform as a form of propaganda, before a deep dive into the character of Helen and how she functions as a critical character for discussion. The lack of power the gods have is an interesting point of reflection, and this is in parallel to the levels of power or control of characters like Talthybius...
2021-03-2157 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Much Ado About NothingClare speaks with the very knowledgeable Sophia Marsden-Smith in this episode, about William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Much of the conversation focuses on Shakespeare's exploration of the function of marriage in his society, and the problematic nature that marriage is positioned as the antidote to the many wrongs inflicted by the men in the text. A number of scenes are discussed closely, so students are encouraged to have a play handy to follow along. A note - Sophia makes reference to 'sprezzatura', which is defined as "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and...
2021-03-1452 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Argument AnalysisClare is joined by Emma Ford in this episode, to discuss all things Argument Analysis. The conversation focuses particularly on two past VCE English Exams, from 2016 and 2017, so it is recommended that listeners are familiar with these two texts before listening to get the most out of this episode. The conversation begins by considering the importance of contention, intention, audience and tone, as well as discussing the merits of different structural approaches to this style of task. The importance of image analysis is another key area of discusison, as well as the opportunity this component of the task provides...
2021-02-2854 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Rear Window 2Emma Enticott joins Clare to discuss Rear Window in this episode, focusing specifically on Hitchcock's use of cinematography and mise-en-scene within the film. Emma's interpretation of the film is refreshing, and moves away from the standard examination of Jeff and Lisa's relationship to a deep dive into Hitchcock's message about the social hierarchy of his time, as well as highlighting the paradox that it is tragedy that brings the community of the film together, not happiness. Every character in the film is lonely, and isolated (despite the relationship they might be in) and it is in investigating and interrogating...
2021-02-2155 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Like a House on FireClare speaks to Rebecca Fernandes in this episode, examining the short stories that make up Cate Kennedy's collection 'Like a House on Fire'. The conversation demonstrates how to dip in and out of the range of stories to find connections - thematically, symbolically, and how they fit together in the 'playlist', to consider how Kennedy explores universal, ordinary experiences of individuals. It is acknowledged that there are key elements that connect moments in the stories together - the act of taking a photograph being a significant one, signifying a desire to create an artificial representation of one's life, and...
2021-02-141h 01Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk William Wordsworth's PoetryClare is joined by Nerrida Prosser in this episode to discuss Seamus Heaney's compilation of poetry by William Wordsworth. Nerrida's evident passion for poetry, and belief that it is accessible for students is evident in the clear manner she discusses the key ideas and concerns of the poetry. What is discovered through the conversation is that many of the ideas and issues Wordsworth was engaging with in his era are remarkably similar to those experienced by individuals in the 21st Century, and there is scope for students to find connection and relevance in his ideas. Support the S...
2021-02-0759 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Station Eleven 1For the first episode of the 2021 Season, Clare is joined by Ben Taylor, founder of The English Lab (https://www.englishlab.com.au/) to discuss Emily St John Mandel's eerily prophetic novel 'Station Eleven'. The novel explores humanity's innate desire to find purpose in life, and presents an interesting hypothetical that forces the reader to consider what is truly important. The conversation explores this concept, and the problems that arise when individuals struggle to find purpose and understanding in a world that is crumbling around them. Further, there is a consideration of Mandel's possible criticism of a world that...
2021-01-3154 minTeachers Talk TextsBonus Episode: End of Season MessageA final message from Clare to all the students who have listened in this season, and a huge good luck for the exam!Many thanks to the teachers who have shared their ideas this season: Philip Thiel, Lauren Wade, Prue Bon, Carla Ziino, Hannah Warner, Kirsty Murphy, Lisa Hanlon, Cora AlvarezNathan Jackson, Allie Baker, Pauline Canty, Angela Pane, and Prue Richards. See you next year! Follow the conversation on Instagram.Support the Show.Follow Teachers Talk Texts on Instagram - @teacherstalktexts
2020-11-0903 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk The Longest Memory & The 7 Stages of GrievingIn this final episode of the 2020 season, Clare speaks with Prue Richards about the comparative pairing of Deborah Mailman and Wesley Enoch's play, 'The 7 Stages of Grieving', and Fred D'Aguiar's novel, 'The Longest Memory'. These two texts placed side by side highlights the reality of our own nation's experience, as the parallels between America's history of slavery and systemic oppression of people of colour and Australia's own tarnished history are made obvious when considering the novel and play. While it may be an uncomfortable experience to accept and engage with the reality of Australia's own civil rights...
2020-11-0137 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk The Golden AgeThis week's episode focused on Joan London's novel, 'The Golden Age', and Clare is joined by Pauline Canty and Angela Pane, who have both taught the text for many years. The conversation begins by exploring the roles of the three mothers in the text: Ida, Margaret and Sister Penny, and the importance they hold in representing the different concepts of womanhood in 1950s Australia. Frank's innate selfishness is also explored, as well as the role and function of Sullivan. The conversation extends to a discussion of the depth of suffering experienced by the children at The Golden Age, specifically...
2020-11-011h 04Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk I am Malala and PrideClare speaks with the very knowledgeable Allie Baker this week, exploring the text pairing of Malala Yousafzai's 'I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban' and the 2014 film 'Pride', directed by Matthew Warchus. The conversation delves into the points of similarity between the two texts in revealing the untold stories of individuals who are seemingly ordinary, but do amazing things, and then the immediate difference in that Malala is positioned as a hero from the moment of her birth, but the characters in 'Pride' are much more 'accidental...
2020-10-2554 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk After DarknessThis week, Clare speaks with Nathan Jackson about Christine Piper's award-winning novel, 'After Darkness'. The discussion focuses on the trauma experienced by the protagonist, Tomokazu Ibaraki, and how Piper utilises the fractured narrative structure to represent the impact one's past can have on their memories, and their lives. While Ibaraki undoubtedly achieves some redemption in the denouement of the novel, overall, he is not a typical hero, nor a likeable narrator. Listening to this discussion will provide students with an examination of text structure and characterisation, as well as a means to balance the historical elements of the novel...
2020-10-1843 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Rear Window 1Clare is joined by Cora Alvarez and Lisa Hanlon to talk about Alfred Hitchcock's film 'Rear Window' in this episode. Together, they investigate how pertinent Hitchcock's film is even today for a modern teenage audience, and how accurately it reflects the zeitgeist of the COVID-19 world. With discussions of the parallels between Jeff's sneering and sanctimonious attitude towards those whose privacy he invades, and the surveillance we ourselves undertake of others through social media, it is clear why this film is so popular to study, and such an appropriate text choice for English students. The conversation also traverses the...
2020-10-1153 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk The Namesake and ReckoningIn this episode, Clare speaks with Kirsty Murphy about the text pairing of Jhumpa Lahiri's 2003 novel 'The Namesake' and Magda Szubanski's 2015 award-winning memoir 'Reckoning'. The conversation begins first with a deep dive into the three (or four) namesakes in Lahiri's novel: Ashima, Ashoke, Gogol (and Moushumi), and then compares to the three characters who experience a reckoning in Szubanksi's memoir: Margaret, Peter and Magda. An insightful overview into the importance of characterisation in both texts, and how we can broaden a character study into a thematic analysis, this is a must-listen for any student or teacher studying this text...
2020-10-041h 12Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Ransom and The Queen 1Hannah Warner joins Clare to discuss the first comparative pairing of the season - David Malouf's 'Ransom' and Stephen Frear's film 'The Queen'. When Hannah speaks about these texts, she communicates with clarity, confidence and knowledge, and is supremely generous with both her time and the ideas she has been discussing with her own students. Sharing detailed insight into both texts in regards to context, key concerns of grief, leadership, the dual-self and family, and a deep dive into a range of symbols and how to compare these in writing, Hannah's reflection is a must-listen for any student or...
2020-09-271h 14Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk All The Light We Cannot SeeCarla Ziino joins Clare to discuss Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, 'All The Light We Cannot See' - a text that ultimately explores what makes us human. The discussion traverses a lot of ground in an hour, focusing especially on the binary nature of the two young protagonists - Marie-Laure and Werner: girl and boy, French and German, disabled and able. Carla's knowledge and insight into student approaches to investigating the novel, their preparation for the exam, and responding to topics is valuable, and this episode is worth listening for the opportunity to understand the mind of the...
2020-09-201h 00Teachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Pride and Prejudice 1In this discussion, Clare speaks with Prue Bon about 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Topics covered include the constructed nature of the text, and the reality that Austen was ultimately producing popular fiction in her day, the feminist elements of the novel, and an examination of a series of characters, including Charlotte, Lydia, Mr & Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth, Darcy and Lady Catherine. Prue's experience as both an English and Literature teacher allows her to focus on interpretation, construction, and Austen's style, all elements that will allow students to reflect on authorial intent in their writing. Support the Sh...
2020-09-1346 minTeachers Talk TextsTeachers Talk Women of Troy 1Philip Thiel and Lauren Wade join Clare to discuss Euripides' bleak lament, 'Women of Troy'. The discussion spans the course of the play, focusing in on the perspective of Queen Hecuba, labelled the 'favourite grandmother in lit', the lack of support provided by the gods to these women left behind after their men failed them, and some differing perspectives on how to read Talthybius. A deep dive into a challenging play that privileges the voices of women and acknowledges their suffering in a society that traditionally ignored both. Support the Show.Follow Teachers Talk Texts o...
2020-09-0450 min
Listen to The Lancet Child & Adolescent HealthCannabis potency and adolescent healthClare Mackie joins The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health to discuss the effects of increasing cannabis potency on adolescent health.
2018-12-2206 minListen to The Lancet Child & Adolescent HealthCannabis potency and adolescent healthClare Mackie joins The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health to discuss the effects of increasing cannabis potency on adolescent health.
2018-12-2206 minListen to The Lancet Child & Adolescent HealthCannabis potency and adolescent healthClare Mackie joins The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health to discuss the effects of increasing cannabis potency on adolescent health.
2018-12-2206 min
Hellblazerbiz: Conversations with the StarsActress/Filmmaker Jillian Clare joins me talking of her directorial debut ”To The Beat”In her directorial debut, Jillian Clare (Days of our Lives, Victorious: Freak the Freak Out) has created the perfect film for the teens of this generation who dare to take their dreams to the next level. Starring Laura Krystine (Instructions Not Included), Brisa Lalich (Model), Jayden Bartels (Dance Moms, Musical.ly Star), Jake Brennan (Richie Rich), Jaheem Toombs (100 Things to Do Before High School) and Trevor Larcom (Fuller House, Fresh Off The Boat), To The Beat! will be released on DVD and VOD on Tuesday, March 13 2018 and is currently one of the top pre-orders on Amazon. Synopsis:Fourteen-year-old twins Mackie...
2018-04-0959 min