The Reading Cafe

The Reading Cafe w/ Heather Kassner (Spellwright)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 6 of The Reading Cafe, winner of Emerging Talent at the 2026 Scottish Podcast Awards, and current Best Books FINALIST at the 2026 Independent Podcast Awards! Our guest on this episode is Heather Kassner. author of the brilliant and beautifully cosy witchy romantasy novel, Spellwright - a reflective and romantic novel featuring the magical and complex relationship between grieving Spellwright, Fia Ives and Penbrook, a complicated and sensitive aristocrat with hidden trials of his own... Isla and Stela enjoyed an incredibly generous, warm and thoughtful conversation with Heather about the novel, and we are sure you will love listening to it! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why Heather chose to explore male vulnerability in this story Her approach to planning, as well as her feelings about happy endings in romantic stories The reason why she delves into darker and more challenging topics in her fantasy writing To learn more: Heather Kassner - https://www.heatherkassner.com Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

The Reading Cafe w/ Ann Sei Lin (Between Ghosts and Gods)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 6 of The Reading Cafe, winner of Emerging Talent at the 2026 Scottish Podcast Awards, and current Best Books FINALIST at the 2026 Independent Podcast Awards! Our guest on this episode is Ann Sei Lin. author of the fantastic fantasy novel, Between Ghosts and Gods - a unique, deep and hilarious novel in which we meet Kasu, who works in a gambling [parlour in the underworld, and runaway prince, Arun, whose initial differences give way to love, despite the odds... Emily and Saanvi spoke to Ann about reincarnation, sacrifice and the need for humour when delving into the darkness... IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why the context of gambling allowed her to explore hope, regret and the desire for change Which writer inspired her dark sense of humour How fantasy allows her to explore ideas about the preciousness of life To learn more: Ann Sei Lin - https://annseilin.co.uk/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

SpotLit: Clari Freeman-Taylor (Mary in the Junkyard)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 6 of The Reading Cafe, winner of Emerging Talent at the 2026 Scottish Podcast Awards, 2026 Interview and Specialist British Podcast Awards FINALIST, and current Books FINALIST at the 2026 Independent Podcast Awards! This is SpotLit, our arts and culture strand where we speak to creative people about their relationship with literature and its influence on their own work. In this episode, Amy and Lola were joined by Clari Freeman-Taylor of the spellbindingly unique London art-rock band, Mary in the Junkyard. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Clari’s favourite conflicts in literature, The Murakami character who made her way into a Mary in the Junkyard song How a Jacqueline Wilson character inspired her to do her own thing! To learn more: Mary in the Junkyard https://linktr.ee/maryinthejunkyard https://chuffmedia.com/artists/westside-cowboy Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for future SpotLit episodes and as always… keep reading.

The Reading Cafe LIVE w/ Patrick Ness at Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

APPROX AGE RATING: 15+ Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 6 of The Reading Cafe, winner of Emerging Talent at the 2026 Scottish Podcast Awards, and current Interview and Specialist FINALIST at the 2026 British Podcast Awards, as well as Books FINALIST at the 2026 Independent Podcast Awards! This special Reading Cafe LIVE audience episode was recorded at the Edinburgh International Book Festival where we were joined by multi-award winning novelist, screenwriter and journalist, Patrick Ness - author of the Chaos Walking series. Our fabulous presenters, Molly and Daisy, had a remarkable conversation with Patrick about his amazing career and the new chapter in the Chaos Walking story, Piper at the Gates of Dusk. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Patrick approached his return to New World, following the massive success of his original Chaos Walking series The themes that find their way into his writing, and how he balances them with his characters’ journeys Why he isn’t threatened by AI in the creation of literature PLUS: Noah presents an Ed Book Fest featurette including mini-interviews with YA Book Prize shortlisted writers, Harry Trevaldwyn, Elgan Rhys, Mared Roberts, Anika Hussain and overall winner, Josh Silver who picked up the trophy for Traumaland. To learn more: Patrick Ness - https://patrickness.com/ Josh Silver - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e4k4zxwwlo YA Book Prize - https://www.thebookseller.com/the-ya-book-prize/the-ya-book-prize-2026 Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

Radiya Hafiza interview (The Silver Kingdom)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! This superb season finale episode features Radiya Hafiza, author of The Silver Kingdom. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why the enemies-to-lovers plot continues to grip romantasy readers How Radiya approaches planning her stories, especially when writing a dual-narrative The opportunities fantasy offers to address difficult real-world topics To learn more: Radiya Hafiza - https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Radiya-Hafiza/232707659 Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

The Reading Cafe LIVE Jr: Ross MacKenzie (The Uninvited)

APPROX AGE RATING: 12+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! This special episode is the first ever Reading Cafe LIVE Jr, which features award-winning fantasy writer, Ross MacKenzie, who speaks with Nora and Orla about his latest thrilling novel, The Uninvited. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How (or even if...) Ross plans his stories, and how he visualises the exciting events of his books Ross's approach to addressing real world issues through junior fiction The influence of Scotland on his unique brand of fantasy writing This episode was recorded in the Banqueting Hall at South Lanarkshire Council HQ before an audience of South Lanarkshire P7 pupils on the cusp of beginning in S1 at Holy Cross High School. Thank to the following schools for coming along to enjoy the show: St Bride's, St Elizabeth's, St John's (Blackwood), St John the Baptist, Our Lady and St Anne's, St Mary's (Hamilton), St Mary's (Larkhall) and St Paul's. To learn more: Ross MacKenzie - https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/contributors/ross-mackenzie/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

SpotLit: Aoife Anson-O'Connell (Westside Cowboy)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to a new chapter of The Reading Cafe. This is SpotLit, our brand-new strand where we speak to interesting people from arts and culture about their relationship with literature. In this SpotLit episode, Gemma and Victoria were joined by Aoife Anson-O'Connell of the thrilling 'Britainicana' band, Westside Cowboy. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The soundtrack Aoife would choose to accompany her favourite book Which character would sing in her fantasy literary supergroup! Why she loves escaping into magical realism …AND SO MUCH MORE! To learn more: Westside Cowboy https://www.westsidecowboy.com/ https://chuffmedia.com/artists/westside-cowboy Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for future SpotLit episodes and as always… keep reading.

The Reading Cafe LIVE: Stuart Murdoch (Belle and Sebastian)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! This special Reading Cafe LIVE episode features singer, song-writer, novelist and film-maker Stuart Murdoch of the legendary Scottish band, Belle and Sebastian. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Stuart approaches imagining things into reality, whether in song, for the page or on the screen. The links Stuart finds between creativity and spirituality How punk influenced his writing, alongside his favourite book... This episode features three exclusive solo performances of classic Belle and Sebastian songs: Fox in the Snow, Dog on Wheels and very excitingly, The Boy With The Arab Strap, which Stuart has never previously played without the band. To learn more: Belle and Sebastian - https://www.belleandsebastian.com/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

Alice Loxton interview (Eleanor)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! We’re making history with this episode featuring Alice Loxton, author of recent #3 Times Book Chart bestseller, Eleanor. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The emotional connection Alice builds with figures from the past and how she is engaging modern readers with history How she compensates for gaps in historical records to bring stories to life with authenticity and vitality The inspiration for her unique blend of historical research, personal reflection and travel journalism To learn more: Alice Loxton - https://aliceloxton.com/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

Benjamin Dean interview (Bury Your Friends)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! This thrilling episode features Benjamin Dean, author of YA survival horror novel, Bury Your Friends. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Ben maintains tension between characters to create atmosphere The influences from music and the movies that found their way into Bury Your Friends Why the “terrible people” who populate the novel are Ben’s favourites of his characters! To learn more: Benjamin Dean - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk/mm-authors/benjamin-dean/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

SpotLit: Alaska Reid (Witch Post)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to a brand new chapter of The Reading Cafe. This is SpotLit, our brand-new strand where we speak to figures from music, sport, entertainment and culture about their relationship with literature. In this SpotLit episode, Libby and Emma were joined by singer-songwriter and musician Alaska Reid, one half of the band Witch Post. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The influence of literature on Alaska’s songwriting, both on her solo records and in Witch Post How fantasy-interviewing friends and peers Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek and Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice) led to her writing her own fantasy novel The story of the supernatural experience that led to the naming of Witch Post… …AND SO MUCH MORE! A ten-minute section of this conversation appeared on the last episode of The Reading Cafe with writer of The Wycherleys, Annaliese Avery. We enjoyed such a brilliant conversation with Alaska about her career and creative life, and you are certain to love hearing it in full in this SpotLit episode. To learn more: Alaska Reid https://www.alaskareid.com/ https://partisanrecords.com/artists/witch-post Annaliese Avery https://www.annalieseavery.com/home-1 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for future SpotLit episodes and as always… keep reading.

Annaliese Avery (The Wycherleys) and Alaska Reid (Witch Post)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast named Best Children and Young Adults' Show by the Independent Podcast Awards, as well as Kids finalist in the 2025 British Podcast Awards and Books finalist in the 2025 Independent Podcast Awards! This magical new Halloween episode features Annaliese Avery, author of The Wycherleys, in conversation with Cara and Molly. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Annaliese’s characters shape their own stories when she is writing The importance of strong female relationships explored in The Wycherleys Why we need fantasy and romantasy now more than ever PLUS: Libby and Emma present a SpotLit featurette with Alaska Reid - acclaimed songwriter, musician, and member of Witch Post. This abridged version is brilliant but don’t miss the full Alaska Reid interview next week when it drops as a SpotLit episode - it’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever found magic in music and words alike… To learn more: Annaliese Avery – https://annalieseavery.com Alaska Reid – https://www.alaskareid.com Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Please do subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading! Follow us on Instagram: @readingcafepod

SpotLit: Safiyya Ingar (The Witcher/Brides/For She Is Wrath)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to a brand new chapter of The Reading Cafe. This is SpotLit, our brand-new strand where we speak to figures from music, sport, entertainment and culture about their relationship with literature. In this very first SpotLit episode, we’re joined by actor, voice artist and writer Safiyya Ingar, in conversation with Niamh and Isla. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Safiyya fell in love with voice acting through narrating audiobooks Safiyya's unique approach to voting stories in a way that makes each character stand out Why representation on the page, on screen and in audio matters more than ever Safiyya’s multifaceted career spans stage, screen, video games and audio. From playing Keira Metz in The Witcher opposite Henry Cavill, to starring as Valarie Lockwood in Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Chronicles. They recently starred in Brides, the 2025 Sundance hit described by Variety as “magnetic” and “savvy”, and they’ve voiced video game titles including Valkyrie Elysium, Dustborn and Diablo IV. Safiyya is also the narrator of For She Is Wrath, the stunning debut novel by Emily Varga, featured in this month's episode of The Reading Cafe. This honest and illuminating conversation explores literature as both a refuge and a force for change, and sets the tone for the SpotLit series to come. To learn more: Safiyya Ingar – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safiyya_Ingar Emily Varga – https://emilyvargabooks.com Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for future SpotLit episodes and as always… keep reading.

Emily Varga (For She Is Wrath) and Safiyya Ingar (The Witcher/Brides)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast named Best Children and Young Adults' Show by the Independent Podcast Awards and current FINALIST in the 2025 British Podcast Awards and 2025 Independent Podcast Awards! This brilliant episode features Emily Varga, writer of For She Is Wrath, in conversation with Rosie and Nicole. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Emily balances her creative life a s writer with her professional role as a family lawyer Her approach to writing without being stuck to a plan Why fantasy is her favourite genre PLUS: Isla and Niamh present the SpotLit featurette with a mini-interview with actor Safiyya Ingar, star of The Witcher and Brides, whose remarkable voice brings the audiobook of the novel to life. Emily’s enlightening, deep and thought-provoking interview appears in full in this episode, and Safiyya is our SpotLit guest, appearing in a 10 minute segment halfway through. Be sure to listen to the full Safiyya Ingar interview next week when it is published as a bonus SpotLit episode - it is worth hearing all the way through, especially if you’ve ever dreamed of being an actor as Safiyya is proof that ambition is more than a dream! To learn more: Emily Varga - https://emilyvargabooks.com Safiyya Ingar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safiyya_Ingar Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading!

The Reading Cafe LIVE w/ Nathanael Lessore at Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome to Season 5 of The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast named Best Children and Young Adults' Show by the Independent Podcast Awards and current FINALIST in the 2025 British Podcast Awards! This special Reading Cafe LIVE episode was recorded with an enthusiastic audience at the Edinburgh International Book Festival where we were joined by Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner, Nathanael Lessore. Our tremendous presenters Sophia and Namatai had a fantastic chat with Nathanael and the audience were thoroughly entertained - laughing, applauding and no doubt making their way to pick up his excellent books (Steady For This, King of Nothing and What Happens Online) straight after the event... IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Nathanael's approach to ensuring his use of language chimes with his audience His process to addressing issues around toxic masculinity and the potential problems of online anonymity How his life has changed since winning the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers PLUS: Alice and Daisy present an Ed Book Fest featurette including a mini-interview with Carnegie Medal winner, Margaret McDonald (Glasgow Boys) and excerpts from the YA Book Prize award ceremony, co-hosted by The Reading Cafe's Elsa and Grace alongside Laura Bates (Non-fiction: Everyday Sexism/YA Fiction: Sisters of Fire and Fury) To learn more: Nathanael Lessore - https://www.darleyandersonchildrens.com/book/king-of-nothing/ Margaret McDonald - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e4k4zxwwlo Laura Bates - https://www.laurabates.co.uk/ Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading!

Frank Cottrell Boyce and Steven Lenton Interview (The Blockbusters)

APPROX AGE RATING: 9–12 Welcome back to The Reading Cafe, the award-winning podcast named Best Children and Young Adults' Show by the Independent Podcast Awards! This episode is a double delight! We’re joined by award-winning author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, along with his long-time collaborator, the brilliant illustrator Steven Lenton, for an inspiring and laughter-filled conversation all about stories, screenplays, and storytelling magic. Frank is the celebrated author of Millions, Cosmic, and The Wonder Brothers, and he’s also the screenwriter behind Kensuke’s Kingdom and the unforgettable 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. His latest novel, The Blockbusters, brings his love of cinema and literature together in an exciting new adventure that celebrates friendship, creativity, and the power of stories. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 🎬 How Hollywood and screenwriting inspired The Blockbusters 🎙 Why hosting The Island of Brilliant podcast has changed how Frank thinks about children's books ✨ How magical elements help tell real-life stories in The Wonder Brothers 🎆 What it was like to help create the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony 📚 Frank's thoughts on the "happiness recession" and why access to books matters now more than ever 🎞 The challenges—and joys—of adapting Kensuke’s Kingdom for the big screen PLUS: Illustrator Steven Lenton gives us a peek behind the scenes at how he brings Frank’s stories to life with colour, energy, and humour—and why pictures matter just as much as words. To learn more: 📘 Frank Cottrell Boyce – https://www.stevenlenton.com Don’t miss a single episode of The Reading Cafe! Subscribe, leave a rating or review wherever you listen, and most importantly… keep reading!

The Reading Cafe LIVE: Darren McGarvey (Poverty Safari)

APPROX AGE RATING: 15+ (NATIONAL 5/HIGHER MODERN STUDIES/POLITICS) Welcome to The Reading Cafe - the podcast from Holy Cross High School that aims to get people talking about reading! The Reading Cafe LIVE 2025 audience event featured an interview with Darren McGarvey, award-winning BBC documentarian and Orwell Prize-winning author of Poverty Safari and The Social Distance Between Us. During this excellent interview, Darren was in conversation with outstanding S6 Reading Leaders, Elsa and Grace. Our audience of National 5/Higher Modern Studies and Politics students had the opportunity to hear the writer’s responses to questions about key topics (poverty, health, gender and the criminal justice system) in preparation for the exam in May. They also enjoyed live self-written scenes ('Tone Deaf' and 'The Glass Ceiling') performed by Advanced Higher Drama pupils focused on poverty and gender. This is an invaluable resource for all pupils who are studying for the National 5 and Higher Modern Studies and Politics exams, so make sure you take lots of notes as you listen! SUBSCRIBE: @ApplePodcasts @spotify @audible @podbeancom FOLLOW: @ReadingCafePod on Instagram

• Chapters

Pari Thomson interview (Greenwild)

APPROX AGE RATING: 9-11 Welcome back to The Reading Cafe! Pari Thomson is the author of the acclaimed eco-fantasy series Greenwild, which won the 2024 Waterstones Children's Book Prize for both the overall category and the Younger Readers prize. In addition to her own writing, Pari works as the Editorial Director at Bloomsbury Children's Books. Her Greenwild series has been praised for its imaginative storytelling and environmental themes. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why Pari chooses to write children's literature How the magic of nature inspires her Plus, Pari reads from Greenwild: The World Behind The Door This episode also features Holy Cross Geography teachers, Stephanie Murphy and Dawn Honnet, who will be talking about their connection to nature and literature. To learn more about Pari Thomson, visit: https://us.macmillan.com/author/parithomson You wouldn't want to miss any episodes of The Reading Cafe, so be sure to subscribe! Please leave a rating, review wherever you listen to podcasts and... keep reading!

Kat McKenna interview (Look What You Made Me Do)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ WINNER - Best Children and Young Adults' Podcast 2024 (Independent Podcast Awards) Welcome back to the Reading Cafe! Kat McKenna is author of Look What You Made Me Do: A Love-Letter to the Fandom Era. As a massive long-term Swiftie, Kat evaluates the phenomenon of Taylor Swift's success and looks at the concept of fandom itself. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT: - How Taylor makes her fans feel “seen”. - Swiftmas and the Easter Eggs Taylor leaves throughout her songs, performances and videos. - Why fans care so much about Taylor as a person, not just as a pop star. ...AND MUCH MORE! This episode also features two members of The Tortured English Department, Miss Gallagher and Miss Quigley, who will be telling you about their most prized poets and treasured Taylor Swift songs. To learn more about Kat McKenna, visit: https://www.katmckenna.com You wouldn’t want to miss any episodes of The Reading Cafe, so be sure to subscribe. Please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts and… keep reading!

Kayvion Lewis interview (Thieves' Gambit/Heist Royale)

APPROX AGE RATING: 14+ Welcome back to The Reading Cafe! Kayvion Lewis is the author of Thieves' Gambit, winner of the 2024 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers. This thrilling and wildly imaginative crime novel is the first in a series which looks certain to become the next big YA hit. Excitingly, it is now on its way to the big screen, having been sold to Lionsgate who have brought Creed and Transformers director, Steven Caple Jr, onto the project. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How Kayvion makes sure twists are unpredictable What she would say to her characters if she met them in real life The turning point in her journey as a writer Plus, Kayvion reads an EXCLUSIVE preview of her new book, Heist Royale, which arrives in November. This episode also features Holy Cross History teacher, Lucy Kinnie, who will be revealing the historical crime that has arrested her attention above all others... To learn more about Kayvion Lewis, visit: https://www.kayvionlewis.com/ You wouldn’t want to miss any episodes of The Reading Cafe, so be sure to subscribe! Please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts and… keep reading!