Good Librations: Season 4

Pick a genre, any genre ... from the morally complex Western through to intergalactic sci-fi dystopias, this season we're talking about what draws us to our favourite literary genres, and more.

Episode 31: Science-fiction

It's Alive! Plug in and enter the fray as we look at sci-fi through the ages. Also, we discuss who the father - or mother - of sci-fi really is; how Star Trek very nearly fell at the final frontier and was saved by Lucille Ball; and whether science-fiction is reaching its event horizon. And seriously, Homer, you don't belong in this episode.

Episode 32: Westerns

Yeehaw podcast pardners! Jump into the saddle and join us on a journey into the wild West as we take a look behind the fringed leather curtain of the humble Rope Opera. We'll chinwag about the good, the bad and the deeply problematic and find out how the cowboy really got his chaps. We'll also discover why Westerns won't be riding off into the sunset anytime soon.

Episode 33: Trophy life

And the winner is ... Duracell? What do batteries have to do with literary awards? Who snubbed the Nobel? Why on earth would anyone set themselves a challenge to read the entire Booker Prize shortlist? Find these answers and more in our examination of literary awards. And in the spirit of prize culture, let us know whether you think we deserve a gold star.

Episode 34: Hansel and Re-Gretel - the trauma of children's stories

We are joined by very special guest, bestselling and Aurealis Award-winning author Kell Woods as we venture into the deep dark woods of children's tales. Hold the lantern high as we breadcrumb our way through boarding school mysteries and gingerbread houses and wicked stepmothers.