Better Words

Michelle Gately & Caitlin Toohey
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Books
  • Updated Monthly

A podcast for readers who want to know the stories behind the pages 📖 Join Caitlin and Michelle, two book nerds who bring you in-depth conversations about writing and publishing from those on the inside. Grab a cuppa and get ready to chat books.

  1. Jul 29

    Book recommendation bonanza: crime books for people who don't usually read crime

    This episode Michelle is giving a round-up of crime book recommendations, especially for people who don’t think they’re fans of crime as a genre. Before we get into that, she shares a fun fact about a connection between The Book Thief and Heated Rivalry.  For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Caitlin’s amazing knitted vest!Garden Yourself Happy by Jonny HincksFollow Johnny on Instagram for daily dopamine hits whether you’re into plants or not Deadloch (TV series)Wentworth (TV series)A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking & Entering and Bad Deeds by Andrew Hunter Murray*The Hamish & Andy Podcast episode 320 Burg Boys!Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin StevensonEveryone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson*Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson*Everyone in This Bank is a Thief by Benjamin StevensonKnives Out (film)Death By Noir by Olly Smith*Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery*10 Marchfield Square and Murder Like Clockwork by Nicola Whyte*Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth*The Silent Appeal by Janice Hallett*The Five by Hallie RubenholdThe Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold*It’s Not What You Think by Clare MacintoshThe Year of the Rat by Harry ShukmanThe Grapevine by Kate KempPuberty Blues (TV show)A Bad, Bad Place by Frances CrawfordOld School (TV show) Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. Make sure you're following the podcast so new episodes appear in your feed as soon as they're available. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  2. Jul 2

    Reviews: The Long Haul, Soft Serve, and Logging Off

    This episode we’re sharing reviews of recent reads. Michelle discusses The Long Haul by Hannah Doyle and Logging Off by Adele Zeynep Walton. Caitlin talks about George Kemp’s debut novel Soft Serve. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Mhairi McFarlaneGroundhog Day (film)Palm Springs (film)A Smart Girl’s Guide to Second Chances by Steph VizardPrima Facie by Suzi MillerBig Small Talk podcast Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. Make sure you're following the podcast so new episodes appear in your feed as soon as they're available. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  3. Jun 18

    The book adaptation phenomenon: why it's great news for readers and publishing

    In this episode, we’re discussing why book to screen adaptations are so vital for the publishing industry and the incredible stats that show just how many people are starting to read because of what they see on screen. Our main source is the Publisher’s Association report on screen adaptations, released earlier this year. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: National Year of ReadingAustralia Reads 2026 report: Reaching Australian ReadersRivalsNormal PeopleFrankensteinWithering HeightsOff Campus Project Hail Mary Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanHeartstopperInvincibleStranger ThingsOne DayThe Love HypothesisEast of EdenHeated RivalryWickedDraculaBrooklynIt Ends With UsThe Thursday Murder ClubSunrise on the Reaping Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. Make sure you're following the podcast so new episodes appear in your feed as soon as they're available. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  4. Jun 10

    Reviews: Fruit Fly and Anne of Green Gables graphic novel adaptations

    This episode we’re sharing some reviews of recent reads. Caitlin discusses two graphic novel retellings of Anne of Green Gables: Dan in Green Gables by Rex Ogle and Anne by Kathleen Gros. While Michelle chats about one of her most-anticipated books of 2026, Fruit Fly, by friend of the podcast Josh Silver.  For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Clueless (film)10 Things I Hate About You (film)Lord of the Flies: Graphic Novel Yellowface by R.F. KuangTraumaland by Josh Silver Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  5. May 24

    Pansy Books: How Matt Cain is rewriting publishing norms for LGBTQ+ authors

    This episode is an extra special one as we welcome Matt Cain back to the podcast to talk about his new venture: he and husband Harry have launched an independent publishing company to get queer voices to mainstream readers. Pansy Books is a brilliant concept, and we are so excited for what Matt and Harry are doing in this space.  We chat about Matt’s publishing journey from crowdfunding to indie publisher, his new novel The Castle of Stories, and how his autism diagnosis has played into writing.  For a more in-depth chat about Matt’s writing journey, be sure to go back and listen to our original interview. Be sure to follow Pansy Books on Instagram and for more information, you can find their website here.  For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Heated RivalryQuite the Pair by Tobias MaddenTobias’ post about international rightsAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidBeth O’Leary (author)Laura Kay (author)Mhairi McFarlane (author)Slow Horses (TV show)The National Year of Reading Reaching Australian Readers 2026 report Dungeon Crawler CarlBrandon Sanderson (author)Matt’s article in The Guardian exploring a late autism diagnosisUnapologetic Love Story by Elle McNicoll Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  6. May 11

    Book club: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

    In this episode, we're discussing Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Unlike review episodes, book club chats will include some spoilers, although we will give ample warning before we switch from a general chat into spoiler territory. About the book: Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and has the social media accounts to prove it. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What Natalie’s followers don’t know won’t hurt them. Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible. *We both read advance copies provided by the publisher Here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (TV show) Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠ now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  7. Apr 4

    Film club: People We Meet on Vacation

    In this episode we’re deep diving into the adaptation of Emily Henry’s The People We Meet on Vacation. Caitlin explains the mysterious changes between the UK and US versions, and we discuss the film.  For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Hoppers (film)Zootopia 2 (film)Hannah Ferguson on kids being inspiring Man on the Run (film)What Went Wrong (podcast) Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

  8. Mar 3

    Reviews: Half His Age and Lost Lambs

    In this episode, we’re reviewing Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy and Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash. Both were provided by publishers for review!  For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Operation Mincemeat musicalCome From Away musical I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdySlags by Emma Jane UnsworthThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayThe Greatest Possible Good by Ben Brooks Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠. At the end of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠ Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast for readers who want to know the stories behind the pages 📖 Join Caitlin and Michelle, two book nerds who bring you in-depth conversations about writing and publishing from those on the inside. Grab a cuppa and get ready to chat books.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Gately & Caitlin Toohey
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Gately & Caitlin Toohey
  • Show Website
    Better Words

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