As we wrap up queer sci-fi month (😔🫶🏼) we get together to chat about our incredible book club pick, IDA by Alison Evans. This book follows Ida, who believes that she can time travel and uses her ability to amend errors in her life. From avoiding car crashes to rewinding conversational hiccups, who wouldn't want to travel through time? But when Ida's doppelganger sits down beside her at the train station, and her grasp on time becomes slippery, she realizes that she has been shifting between parallel universes. Every decision she changes creates a new version of herself. What happens to those versions of Ida, who have to live with the consequences she's avoiding? What happens when those doppelgangers get mad?

Join us as we get philosophical and ask questions such as; what does sci-fi look like at a domestic level? What kind of lives are the alternative versions of yourself living? Do you think it's harder to make mistakes and be imperfect today, in the age of social media, than it used to be? How does IDA disrupt the notion of a single, constant identity? And where do YOU begin and end?

LINKS

🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993

🌸 Our Socials:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub

💛 Where to find Amy:

• Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
• Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
• Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/

Thank you so much for listening!💞

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by Paul Matthews, Author and Education Consultant at Paul Matthews.ai (paulmatthews.ai), to explore how educators can embrace artificial intelligence without losing the human qualities that make teaching meaningful.

Drawing on his background in humanities, leadership, and classroom teaching, Paul Matthews shares a thoughtful perspective on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for schools. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human thinking, Paul argues that it should be used to strengthen productivity while preserving wisdom, judgement, creativity, and authentic relationships.

Throughout the conversation, Paul explains the difference between technological capability and wisdom. He highlights how AI can save time on routine tasks. However, he also warns that technology can intensify workloads when used without clear purpose. As a result, educators are encouraged to develop habits that align with their values and educational goals.

The discussion also explores the concept of “organic intelligence” and why deep knowledge remains essential in an AI-powered world. Paul explains that effective AI use depends on strong domain expertise. Without that foundation, teachers and students may struggle to evaluate AI-generated content critically.

In addition, Steve and Paul examine practical ways schools can support students. They discuss teaching responsible AI use, maintaining opportunities for pen-and-paper learning, and ensuring students continue to build confidence through cognitive effort. Furthermore, Paul shares how AI can help teachers implement evidence-based literacy practices more efficiently, making it easier for every teacher to become a literacy teacher.

The episode also considers the future of education, the importance of intentional change, and the growing value of genuine human connection. Paul introduces his concept of “Matthews Law”, which suggests that if AI change is not intentional, it becomes accidental.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, school leader, or education innovator, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating AI with confidence, purpose, and wisdom. Above all, Paul demonstrates how schools can use technology to support learning while keeping humanity at the centre of education.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode Amy, Justina & Abby are joined by Alison Evans, author of our June BOTM Ida, as well as a whole host of other queer YA and middle grade speculative fiction, sci-fi and fantasy. Join us as we discuss all things reading and writing queer spec fic, imagining hopeful futures in YA, zine making for horse girls (gender neutral) – plus some (mostly) spoiler-free Ida chats ahead of next week’s book club.

MENTIONS

🌌 Our BOTM is Ida by Alison Evans

📚 BOOKS: Garth Nix; Isobel Carmody; Paul Collins; Michael Pryor; Obernewtyn by Isobel Carmody; The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells; Jorge Luis Borges; Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut; This is How You Lose the Time War by by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone; Highway Bodies by Alison Evans; This is How We Change the Ending by Vikki Wakefield; Kindred: 12 #LoveOzYA Stories ed. Michael Earp

✍️ SHORT STORIES: “Tomorrow, Dawn” by Sascha Stronach

📺 TV SHOWS: Star Trek (1966–1969); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)

✂️ ZINES: Long Trek; Pony with a Secret; 2 Pony 2 Zine; Ponies in Space

LINKS:

• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
• Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Around the School Table, produced by Xuno, host Steve Davis is joined by Dr. Gina Biancarosa, Ann Swindells Chair in Education, Professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, and Director of the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon (uoregon.edu), to explore the origins, purpose, and growing impact of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in schools across Australia and beyond.

Throughout the conversation, Gina explains how DIBELS was developed to help educators identify students who may need additional support with reading. Rather than relying solely on lengthy assessments, DIBELS uses brief, targeted measures that provide valuable insights into a student's literacy development. As a result, teachers can monitor progress more frequently and make informed instructional decisions.

The discussion explores the science behind key DIBELS assessments, including letter naming fluency, phonemic awareness, nonsense word fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension measures. Furthermore, Gina explains how each assessment aligns with the research on how children learn to read and develop reading comprehension over time.

Steve and Gina also examine the importance of reading for meaning. While decoding words is essential, comprehension remains the ultimate goal. Consequently, the episode highlights why effective literacy instruction must support both accurate word recognition and deep understanding of text.

In addition, listeners will learn how Australian educators have embraced DIBELS through professional learning communities, including the highly active DIBELS in Oz network. Gina reflects on the collaborative efforts that led to the development of an Australasian version of DIBELS, ensuring greater relevance for Australian and New Zealand students.

The conversation also explores how literacy data can be used responsibly within broader school improvement strategies. While assessment data can guide intervention and goal-setting, Gina emphasises the importance of using DIBELS for its intended purpose rather than as a blunt accountability tool. The discussion also touches on how DIBELS data can be analysed and interpreted within broader school improvement processes using tools such as Student Maps.

Beyond assessment, Gina shares her personal reflections on reading as a lifelong gift. From childhood favourites to supporting readers with vision impairment, she highlights the profound opportunities that literacy creates throughout life.

This episode offers valuable insights for teachers, school leaders, literacy specialists, and education professionals seeking practical ways to support reading growth while maintaining a strong focus on student understanding and success.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A serial killer is on the loose in Melbourne in Sarah Bailey’s ‘Click’. Three women, a journalist, a cop and a politician are on the case. The approaching pandemic is a dark hovering presence in this gripping story which also shows how modern technology has become a force for good and for evil.

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Literary academic Kylie Cardell lays takes us through the life and achievements of Charmian Clift, writer and trailblazer of the 1950s and 1960s. She lived in the shadow of her famous husband, writer George Johnston, and died too early from suicide. Her writings, including her unfinished memoir “The End of the Morning”, are a remarkable treasury of observations about life for women in the mid 20th century.

Guests:

Sarah Bailey, author

Kylie Cardell, Associate Professor of Literature, Flinders University

Other books that get a mention:

Annie mentions “Frogsong” by Melissa Manning and the 2010 Booker winner “The Finkler Question” by HowardJacobson

Sarah recommends the fantasy trilogy “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman

INSTAGRAM

@sarah_bailey_author

@kyliesays

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second week of Pride Month we're tackling fanfiction, all the way back to the Kirk/Spock community that started it all. There's something for everyone this episode: the history and fundamentals of fanfic, the community and passion of the craft, the social implactions of ladies reading slash, and even how AI could effect the way we approach fanfic (clue: we don't like it!). Harry tells us about some strange and thought-provoking LOTR fics he's read, Payton gives us a lesson in cognitive poetics, and Millie gets passionate about sapphic media, all while Amy tangents us and keeps us on track in equal measure.

This month we're reading Ida by Alison Evans. Grab your copy and read along with us ahead of book club on June 25!

MENTIONS

Books

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Cognitive Poetics by Peter Stockwell

Film/TV

Star Trek TOS (1966-1969)
Star Trek TNG (1987-1994)
Star Trek reboot movies (2009, 2013, 2016)
Into the Woods (2014)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Starsky & Hutch (1975-1979)
Buffy (1997-2003)
Lord of the Rings franchise
Xena (1995-2001)
Twilight franchise
Hacks (2021-2026)

LINKS

• 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993

🌸 Our Socials:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub

💛 Where to find Amy:

• Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
• Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
• Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/

Thank you so much for listening!💞

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi Gay, Happy Pride Month!

Today we're kicking off the month of June with a festive introduction to Queer Sci-Fi. There are some big Sci-Fi heads in Amy &, so get ready for a journey through all of our favourite books, authors, and films in the beloved genre. We consider if and why Sci-Fi is on the rise lately (it's existential doom again, isn't it?) and discuss the inclusion and exclusion of queerness (or sex/sexuality in general) from the genre throughout history. Expect to hear about the women who pioneered Science Fiction, the LGBTQIA+ writers making it even more radical, and why it is time to subvert all the false binaries plaguing the category.

Have a listen and please take a shot every time Abby has not engaged with a major film/TV franchise.

This month we're reading Ida by Alison Evans. Grab your copy and read along with us ahead of book club on June 25!

MENTIONS

Books

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

Dune by Frank Herbert

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (as discussed in the ep, Amy & hosts do not condone this author's views or recommend that listeners read his books)

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Hex by Rhiannon Lassiter

Highway Bodies by Alison Evans

Ida by Alison Evans

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers

Neuromancer by William Gibson

Snow Crash by Neil Stephenson

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin

The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

The Reindeer Hunters by Lars Mytting

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells

To Be Taught if Fortunate by Becky Chambers

Authors

Carl Sagan

Isaac Asimov

Jules Verne

N. K. Jemisin

Octavia E. Butler

Film/TV

Alien franchise

Andromeda

Babylon 5

Battlestar Galactica

Black Mirror

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

DC and Marvel superheroes

Doctor Who franchise

E.T.

Lord of the Rings

Matrix

Signs

Star Trek franchise

Star Wars franchise

LINKS

• 🎵 Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single SAME OLD here: https://linktr.ee/masswisteria#465207993

🌸 Our Socials:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/amyandbookclub
• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyandbookclub
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyandBookClub

💛 Where to find Amy:

• Amy Matthews on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymatthewsauthor/
• Amy Barry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amybarryauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyTMatthewsauthor
• Website: https://amymatthewsauthor.com/

Thank you so much for listening!💞

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re sad to say goodbye to dragon month, but happy to send it off with a book club chat about Moniquill Blackgoose’s incredible first installment of the Nampeshiweisit series, To Shape a Dragon's Breath. This book follows the journey of Anequs, who bonds with a dragon hatchling and becomes the first Nampeshiweisit of her people in generations. However, the laws of the Anglish colonisers require her to receive formal training in dragon riding, or face the death of her dragon or even herself. Anequs leaves her home to enrol in a dragon academy. However, it’s far from smooth flying and she faces condescension, suspicion, and outright hostility from the Anglish there.

Join us as we chat all about magic dragon schools, the importance of oral storytelling and indigenous knowledges, and the ways that fantasy holds up a mirror to the devastating past and present of living in a settler colony.

Be warned: This is a book club episode, so we will be getting into spoilers!

MENTIONS

🐉 Our BOTM is To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose.

📚 BOOKS: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers; To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose; Ida by Alison Evans

🎬 MOVIES: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

🖼️GALLERY: Flinders University Museum of Art

LINKS:

• Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub
• Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub
• Join the Amy & Book Club: Amy & Bookclub
• Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor
• Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor
• Our theme music is by Mass Wisteria. Stream their single "Same Old" here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.