I was fortunate during my ten years at Booktopia to have had the opportunity to interview hundreds of fascinating people face to face either on camera or for the podcast. Each interviewee had a book to promote, whether they were novelists, historians, biographers, cooks and chefs, scientists, philosophers, children's book authors and illustrators, or stars in other fields who had written memoirs - politicians, sportspeople, adventurers, health gurus and celebrities of every stamp. During the interviews we generally wandered off script to discuss current events, writing tips, some guests even revealed more than they intended about themselves. It was a lot of fun, and a great privilege. Below you'll find some of my favourite interviews - starring Liane Moriarty, former Prime Minister John Howard, Professor Brian Cox, Tara Moss and Michael Palin.
Liane Moriarty
This interview took place as Australian author Liane Moriarty’s life was changing. Her writing career had taken off in the US while in Australia her sales were still moderate. Within weeks that was all to change. Big Little Lies, the book she was there to promote, would become the biggest book of the year and be turned into a successful series starring Nicole Kidman and Reece Witherspoon. Liane was about to become a superstar.
Prime Minister John Howard
I was a little ambivalent about interviewing former Australian Prime Minister John Howard. I have always been a Labor man. But I had a job to do, so put that stuff to one side. When he arrived, he came across as everyone’s favourite grandpa, gracious, a bit dottery and I wondered how this man had run the country for eleven years. But as soon as the camera was turned on and the interview started I found myself seated across from one of the most formidable people I have ever met. Gulp.
Professor Brian Cox
If you've ever watched one of Professor Brian Cox’s documentaries you know that he has a talent for explaining some of the most complex ideas in science clearly and succinctly so any old fool can grasp them. Which is lucky because this old fool was sent off to interview him about life, the universe and everything. As you'll see if you watch the interview, he is every bit as nice and as patient in person as he appears in his documentaries.
Tara Moss
When Canadian crime writer, memoirist, feminist, fashion model and activist, Tara Moss, came in to support her book The Fictional Woman, she wasn't messing around. She was fired up and ready to speak out. This was a pivotal moment in her career as the book was part memoir, revealing for the first time troubling details of her life, and part manifesto, a clarion call to women and men to end the inequality baked into modern life.
Michael Palin
This was a dream interview. Michael Palin from Monty Python! I was such a big fan I could barely speak. But he was so lovely and calmed me down and then we conducted the interview without me squealing like an overexcited piglet. He was such a professional though, it was hard to get him off script, but I managed to. I threw him a curveball and stopped him in his well rehearsed tracks.
Looking back, I realise how lucky I was to spend nearly ten years talking to some of the most fascinating people in the world, all because of books. Whether they were novelists, scientists, prime ministers, or Monty Python legends, every conversation reminded me why I love this industry. Books have a way of bringing people together, sparking ideas, and giving us a glimpse into minds we might never otherwise encounter. And at the heart of it all? Great stories. I’ll always be grateful for those moments—unexpected, unscripted, and often unforgettable.
To browse some of my other video interviews go HERE.
Sadly, it would appear that all of my Booktopia podcast interviews (hundreds of them) have been lost forever.
To browse some of my other video interviews go HERE.
Sadly, it would appear that all of my Booktopia podcast interviews (hundreds of them) have been lost forever.