The 2025 Adelaide Writers’ Week program will include live episode recordings of some of Australia’s most popular podcasts, on topics including relationships, mental health, true crime, literature, humour and politics, as part of new initiative Podfest.
Sessions are ticketed and all on sale from 12pm ACST today, taking place at either Adelaide Town Hall or the Torrens Parade Ground Drill Hall, during the Adelaide Writers’ Week dates of 1 – 6 March, 2025.
Adelaide Writers’ Week Director Louise Adler AM says: “Podcasts have quickly found their place alongside the mainstream media as an excellent source of sustenance, in-depth analysis and community, on almost every topic imaginable. We are delighted to be working with podcast expert Monique Bowley, to bring some of the very best podcasters and their programmes to AWW for the first time.”
Confirmed sessions are:
- True Crime: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Dan Box with Hedley Thomas, Rachael Brown and Meshel Laurie – Saturday 1 March, 12pm
Why do true crime stories fascinate us? Join podcasting icons Hedley Thomas, Rachael Brown, Meshel Laurie and moderator Dan Box for an inside look at the stories that chill, captivate, and inspire change. With 14 Walkley Awards between them, they’ll explore the meticulous research, the ethical dilemmas, and the emotional toll that investigating humanity’s darkest corners takes. Whether you’re a true crime obsessive or simply curious, this panel offers a fascinating deep dive into one of podcasting’s most compelling genres.
- If You’re Listening with Matt Bevan – Saturday 1 March, 2:30pm
Assassins disguised as tennis players. Battleships cutting internet cables. Global superpowers in a race to mine moon ice. When you pay close attention, the world is stranger than it seems. Join Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening, for a live show blending wit, insight, and captivating storytelling. Known for unpacking global news with sharp analysis, Matt will explore seismic changes on the horizon by uncovering surprising stories from the past. Expect jaw-dropping revelations, sharp humour, and the kind of storytelling that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the world.
- Double A Chattery with Amanda Keller and Anita McGregor – Saturday 1 March, 3:45pm
One is an Australian media legend who doesn’t shy away from toilet humour on the radio. The other? A forensic psychologist with a proper job. Together, Amanda Keller and her best friend Anita McGregor bring their sharp wit, warm wisdom and endless curiosity for a live podcast that is as relatable as it is hilarious. From the things we’re all secretly wondering, to the moments that make life wonderfully weird, Amanda and Anita tackle it all with the perfect blend of smarts and humour.
- Ladies, We Need to Talk: How to Live Dangerously: Yumi Stynes with Anna Broinowski, Gina Chick and Jessie Tu – Sunday 2 March, 2:30pm
Ready to step outside your comfort zone? Join Yumi Stynes, host of the 2024 Podcast Of The Year Ladies, We Need to Talk, for an electrifying conversation with three fearless women who embrace life on the edge. Gina Chick, Jessie Tu and Anna Broinowski share stories of bravery, mischief, and breaking boundaries. Discover what it means to defy expectations, take risks, and live life unapologetically. This honest, inspiring discussion will challenge your perspective and ignite your inner risk-taker!
- Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles – Sunday 2 March, 3:45pm
Step into the world of Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles. Through intimate conversations, Mundanara amplifies the voices of First Nations people, celebrating their stories, resilience, and culture. From the beauty and challenges of Indigenous life, to enduring power of connection, it’s an uplifting hour of honesty, heart, and wisdom. Black Magic Woman bridges cultural divides and inspires a better understanding of Australia’s rich First Nations heritage.
- Not Stupid with Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez – Tuesday 4 March, 6:15pm
Too busy—or overwhelmed—for the news? Join Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez for a special live recording of their hit ABC podcast, Not Stupid. Each week, Jules and Jez bring you across the news stories Australians can’t stop thinking about, the ones that flew under the radar, and the moments that truly matter. Join them for a chat that’s packed with sharp insights, unexpected internet rabbit holes, and far too much talk about poetry and cake. Whether you’re a news junkie, or news avoidant, you’ll walk away feeling Not Stupid.
- All in the Mind with Sana Qadar – Wednesday 5 March, 6:15pm
Memory is the story of who we are—defining our past, shaping our present, and guiding our future. But what if you could train your brain to remember better, recall faster, and even reshape your memories? Join Sana Qadar, neuropsychologists, and memory athletes for a live, mind-expanding journey into how our brains store, enhance, and sometimes fail us. Learn practical techniques to sharpen your memory and navigate its challenges. Funny, fascinating, and full of “aha!” moments, this show is your ultimate guide to the wonders of the mind.
- Book Cheat with Dave Warneke – Thursday 6 March, 6:15pm
Don’t have time to read the classics? Fear not because comedian Dave Warneke has done the hard work for you. In this live show, Dave tells his comedy guests about the plot of a classic book, so you’ll leave being able to bluff your way through a convo at your next fancy dinner party. Previous books covered include A Tale of Two Cities, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Wuthering Heights, The Grapes of Wrath and many more.
Monique Bowley
One of the most respected and influential producers in the country, Monique Bowley has an over 20-year career in audio that has seen her shape some of the country’s most popular and celebrated podcasts. A multi-award-winning executive producer, she has worked across both commercial and public media. In 2024, under her leadership, her ABC team were recognised with Podcast of the Year at the Australian Podcast Awards. Whether mentoring emerging talent or creating shows with impact, Monique continues to redefine the audio landscape in Australia and beyond.
Tickets are on sale from 12pm ACST on Tuesday 10 December at www.adelaidefestival.com.au and prices range from $29 – $39 (plus booking fee). The full program for Adelaide Writers’ Week will be released on Wednesday 29 January, 2025.
Adelaide Writers’ Week runs from 1 – 6 March, 2025, as part of Adelaide Festival, which runs from 28 February – 16 March, 2025
