Hannah
Reading:
2024 has been the year of romance novels for me (you can read all about that here) but I’m going to challenge myself to branch out to other genres over the holidays. After recently seeing Jodi Picoult speak at a Newcastle Writers Festival event, I picked up a copy of Mad Honey, which I’ve heard great things about. I’m also keen to get into her most recent novel – By Any Other Name.
If you are after some light-hearted romance that’ll transport you to a wintery northern hemisphere Christmas, I highly recommend both Holiday Romance and Snowed In by Catherine Walsh. Don’t judge them by their names – I was pleasantly surprised by the humour and just overall good vibes of these two books, which are both set in Ireland.
Watching:
There’s a whole bunch of latest seasons of TV shows I started in 2024 but didn’t get around to finishing. They include: Never Have I Ever, Sex Education, Emily in Paris, The Bear and Virgin River. I’ve also been loving Colin from Accounts and Shrinking.
Listening to:
I was recently introduced to a podcast called Pop Culture Parenting. Each episode the hosts tackle various aspects of parenting through the lens of a popular film. For example, they discuss the notion of attachment through the characters in the movie Heat. It’s a super interesting concept and the hosts (one of which is a behavioural paediatrician) have a wealth of knowledge to share.
I always enjoy listening to Films to Be Buried With hosted by Brett Goldstein of Ted Lasso (and Shrinking) fame. Each episode Brett asks his guest which films they’d carry with them to the grave. Essentially it’s about the films that have shaped peoples’ lives, and it’s the perfect mix of funny and thought-provoking.
Kristy
Reading:
I started listening to Jodi Picoult’s latest novel By Any Other Name a few months ago and just couldn’t get into it. I’ve read all of her previous novels but this one needed a little extra concentration that I didn’t have at the time. After watching Jodi onstage recently at an event put on by the Newcastle Writers Festival – I’m determined to give it another go – this time in print – with no work distractions!
I also have a pile of magazines from all over the world after I recently subscribed to Stack – an independent magazine club – so I’m also looking forward to taking these to the beach for a read.
Watching:
Christmas Movies are already starting to hit the rotation in our household and I think family movies will be the trend over the holidays. The kids have been hanging out to see Sonic 3 which is released on Boxing Day – and my youngest has started walking around the house belting out “Defying Gravity” from Wicked – so that’s on the agenda too. I’ll also be lining up to see the new Bridget Jones Diary movie (not released until Feb) – I was a massive fan of these novels and subsequent movies so I’m keen to see what they do here!
Listening to:
I dare say the “Wicked” soundtrack will be on repeat after we watch the movie. Now that we’ve hit December, I’ll officially get out the Christmas Tunes (here’s a Spotify playlist we we made for Cattleyard Brewing a few years ago if you need some inspo).
I’ll also have a mix of audiobooks and podcasts going in my ears – The Full Bleed when I feel like being motivated by work (about cool indi mags) and Mamamia Out Loud when I need a laugh.
SANCE
Reading:
Lola In The Mirror by Trent Dalton. I started it last summer and never got back to it – so i’m going to enjoy it pool side over Christmas and New Year! Plus I’ll be enjoying Swell Summer, of course.
Watching:
One of my favourite times of the year is when the Australian Open tennis starts. I hope to get back there to see it courtside some day, but for the time being I love watching it on TV.
Listening to:
I’m enjoying listening to Chappell Roan at the moment – so in my true style I’ll probably play it to death on my airpods while going on early morning walks to beat the heat. I recently discovered that Newcastle Writers Festival has their own podcast where they share recordings of some of their live events. You can listen to some of their recent live events with authors like Jodi Picoult, Tim Winton and Kasey Chambers here. I do also love a Mamamia podcast on my walks too!
Bec
Watching:
I’m currently on maternity leave with a very fresh newborn so it feels like I’m permanently glued to the couch and watching A LOT of television.
I was a little late to the party but I finally had the chance to watch the Aussie series Bump which I loved. The story centres around teenagers Oly and Santi as they navigate the challenges of becoming teenage parents after an unplanned, surprise baby. Their families are lovable and entertaining and I just adored Claudia Karvan and Angus Sampson’s characters. A brand new season is coming out on Boxing Day so no doubt I’ll be adding it to the top of my watch list.
Reading:
I think the extent of my reading quota over these summer holidays will be the books my three-year-old asks me to read to him before bed. So I’m expecting a lot of Julia Donaldson stories mixed with a little Paw Patrol and Cars.
Listening to:
I have stages where I re-enter the world of podcasts and with plenty of pram walks in my future, I think I’ll be looking to start a new obsession. I love a good true crime story so I’m planning on diving into Case File. If it all starts becoming too dark and morbid, I’ll flick back to the Office Ladies podcast which I started back in 2022 on my last maternity leave stint. Plus it will probably make me want to rewatch The Office which wouldn’t be a bad thing when I’m up at 2am settling a two-month-old baby.
