Best Talking Aussie Books Podcasts (2025)

1
Talking Aussie Books with Hilde Hinton 31:08

1d ago31:08

31:08

Hilde Hinton is a bestselling author of three novels, as well as a big sister to Connie and Samuel Johnson. A one-time prison officer and second hand book seller, a mother and carer of people in need of temporary housing and support, Hilde’s stories are filled with the kinds of characters that reflect her larger than life experiences and her writin…

1
Itac to Introduce fees & Foot-and-Mouth outbreak hits SA's largest cattle producer 1:15:57

23h ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Stephen Grootes speaks to Ayabonga Cawe, Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission about the new fee structure for import and export permits, aimed at addressing budget constraints and modernizing the organization's systems. In other interviews, Thabile Nkunjana, Agricultural Economist and Dipepenene Serage, Deputy Dir…

1
AutoZone gets a jump start and Matthew Pearce talks sports & business 1:15:44

22h ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dion De Graaff, CEO of AutoZone, about the company’s remarkable turnaround after emerging from business rescue. In other interviews, Matthew Pearce, renowned sports broadcaster and facilitator, talks about his career in rugby commentary and business development. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist a…

1
The Best Bits of The Money Show 47:48

3d ago47:48

47:48

This is a curated compilation of the best interviews from The Money Show this past week. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal fina…

1
SA cinema revival & art market boom: Ster-Kinekor's Mark Sardi & Tretchikoff's record-breaking sale 1:25:13

5d ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Ray White speaks to Mark Sardi, CEO of SK, on the current state of the industry and how cinema is performing in SA, highlighting the success of recent releases like Mission: Impossible and Disney's Lilo & Stitch. In other interviews, the record-breaking sale of Vladimir Tretchikoff's "Lady from the Orient" for R31.1 million with Dr Alastair Meredit…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Valerie Miller 40:25

5d ago40:25

40:25

Valerie Miller is a Brisbane-based writer who teaches high school by day and writes stories at night. In late 2024, Valerie decided to self-publish her debut novel 'There's Something About You Olivia Bennett'. A dual-time line historical novel which flips between Sydney of the 1960s and late 1980s. This is a book that Valerie has coloured with her …

1
SA food crisis & special broadcast on corporate kindness 1:14:39

6d ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Stephen Grootes speaks to Georg Southey, Manager at Merlog Foods, about the urgent need for government action as South Africa faces a worsening food crisis. The ban on Brazilian chicken imports, following a bird flu outbreak in one province, risks deepening hunger, especially among vulnerable groups like children on school feeding schemes. In other…

1
Mining sector uncertain over MPRDA bill, Harmony Gold buys Aussie copper mine 1:17:18

7d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Stephen Grootes speaks to Peter Leon, mining expert and partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, about the Minerals Council’s disappointment as the MPRDA bill proceeds without industry feedback. The Minerals Council South Africa has raised concerns after the government moved ahead with changes to the MPRDA without considering industry input. In other in…

1
Africa's Financial Future & The Business of Wellness with Lisa Raleigh 1:20:25

8d ago1:20:25

1:20:25

Stephen Grootes speaks to Daniel Mminele, Nedbank Chairman about Africa's vulnerability to escalating global economic uncertainty and the need for the continent to lead reform efforts, particularly in sovereign debt architecture, global financial safety nets, and climate finance, with South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency presenting a pivotal opportun…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Maithree Wijesekara 32:13

9d ago32:13

32:13

Maithree Wijesekara is an Australian-Sri Lankan writer based in Melbourne who graduated with a Masters in Dentistry in 2021, and who, this year, became a published novelist with her debut novel, 'The Prince Without Sorrow' (Harper Voyager). Now, Maithree splits her time between telling people to brush their teeth, and writing stories inspired by th…

1
Is Elon Musk’s satellite rushing towards SA? 37:46

11d ago37:46

37:46

Stephen Grootes spoke to Duncan McLeod, Founder and Editor at Techcentral about the proposed policy direction for satellite operators in South Africa, which aims to establish a new licensing framework and potentially allow companies like Elon Musk's Starlink to operate in the country through an equity equivalent regulatory change. In other intervie…

1
Investec talks R2.5bn buyback & do investors shape corporate direction? 1:16:57

12d ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Stephen Grootes speaks to Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec Bank, about the bank's strong performance, with a 7.8% increase in profit. Investec will pay a record dividend for the third year after the bank’s operating profit surpassed the R24 billion mark for the first time. In other interviews, Vincent Anthonyrajah, CEO and co-founder of Differentia…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Natasha Lester 40:54

13d ago40:54

40:54

Natasha Lester is a international bestselling author whose novels have been translated into 21 languages. Novels which include 'A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald', 'Her Mother’s Secret', 'The Paris Seamstress', 'The French Photographer', 'The Paris Secret', 'The Riviera House', 'The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre' and "The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard'. …

1
Budget 3.0 & special broadcast of Trump-Ramaphosa meeting 37:03

13d ago37:03

37:03

Stephen Grootes speaks to the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, about the budget speech, and they analyze some of the big announcements that came out of it. In other news, there is a special broadcast of the bilateral relations meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. The Money Show is a podcast h…

1
President Ramaphosa meets US president & why exporters remain jittery over American Express (Amex) service. 1:15:39

15d ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tshidi Madia, Associate Politics editor about President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, where they'll discuss business opportunities, including potential deals with Elon Musk's companies, Tesla and Starlink, amidst strained relations between the two countries. In other news, Terry Gale, chairperson of…

1
Special tribute to the late Issie Kirsh, founder of Radio 702, company financial results & the art of scouting film location 1:20:26

16d ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Tributes pour in for late Issie Kirsh, founder of Radio 702.Chief executives of Famous Brand, Netcare and Astral Foods take Stephen Grootes through their respective companies’ financial results. In other news, Julia Finnis-Bedford, Founder of Amazing Spaces talks about scouting film location business, leadership philosophy and relationship with mon…

1
B20 South Africa champions continent-wide growth at Africa CEO Forum & Mabotho Africa, luxury leather goods 35:54

18d ago35:54

35:54

Motheo Khoaripe chats to Dr Anthony Costa, the Head of Secretariat for B20 South Africa about how thoughtful financial decisions and forward-thinking regulations can pave the way for sustainable economic progress In other interview: Motheo Khoaripe chats to Thobekile Mkhize, founder and CEO of Mabotho Africa about luxury leather goods and the busin…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Chris Flynn 46:50

19d ago46:50

46:50

Chris Flynn is the author of several novels that include the astonishing novel ‘Mammoth’ - told from the point of view of a 13000 year-old fossilised mammoth. A book which was shortlisted for a number of awards in 2021 - and which drew praise from some of the brightest literary minds. His new book, ‘Orpheus Nine’, published by Hachette Australia, i…

1
US agencies barred from involvement in SA’s G20 Summit & Rand rockets as deputy finance minister signals inflation-target shake-up 1:17:49

20d ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Stephen Grootes in conversation with Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President and Khay Sithole, an Independent Political Analyst chat about the US government banning US Agencies from writing reports on the G20 summit, this as US president Trump continues to throw allegations of a white genocide in South Africa. They also touch on President R…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Shankari Chandran 41:10

20d ago41:10

41:10

Listeners it’s been almost 3 years since I last welcomed my next guest to the podcast. Back then we were talking about a truly remarkable novel which just over a year later went on to win the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award. That book was, of course, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens and the author, Shankari Chandran. In the time since that f…

1
The sad case of iThala and the limping Post Bank & Middle Class under pressure 1:19:47

20d ago1:19:47

1:19:47

Stephen Grootes in conversation with Stuart Theobald, Financial Analyst and Chairman at Krutham chat about the struggles of Ithala Bank and Post Bank, highlighting a deep-rooted challenge in South Africa’s financial sector. They also touch on the reflection that there is tension between financial inclusion and regulatory oversight, raising question…

1
32.9% of South Africans without jobs & Suez Canal cuts fees to revive trade 1:19:11

22d ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer for Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator about South Africa's rising unemployment crisis, with the official rate hitting 32.9% in Q1 2025 and the expanded rate reaching 43.1%, highlighting a challenging job market. In other interviews, Timothy Walker, Maritime Senior Researcher at …

1
Boxer retail soars as people's champion & US-China 90 day trade truce 1:19:10

23d ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr. Martyn Davies, former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council and Donald MacKay, director at Xa International Trade Advisors on China, about a 90-day pause to trade war between China and the US. In other interviews, Marek Masojada, CEO of Boxer Supermarkets, discusses the company's impressive first-y…

1
US-UK deal drops Trump-era tariffs & Pomellato's unity collection 34:46

25d ago34:46

34:46

Ray White speaks to John Stopford, Head of Multi-Asset Income, NinetyOne Asset Management US-UK tariffs deal about the US-UK agreement that scraps Trump-era tariffs on vehicles and metals. In other interviews, Debbie Hathway, Watches and Jewellery writer talks about Pomellato's latest Together collection, showcasing elegant jewellery that embodies …

1
Daybreak foods in crisis & global mega trends shaping investments 1:19:03

26d ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sabelo Skiti, Investigative journalist with Sunday Times about the unfolding humanitarian crisis at Daybreak Foods, where unpaid workers and starving chickens are facing unimaginable hardships amidst the company's financial collapse. In other interviews, we reflected on the new Pope's announcement with Father Russel Pollit…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Jackie French 50:34

27d ago50:34

50:34

Jackie French is one of Australia's best-loved, bestselling authors and earlier this year, she released another new novel. Called ‘The Whisperer’s War’ (published by HQ Fiction) it’s an incredible war-time story set in England between 1938 and 1947. A story that examines - amongst many other things - the cost of war and the quest for wealth, power …

1
Bank charges under scrutiny & Two-Pot retirement withdrawals rise 1:13:53

27d ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Stephen Grootes speaks to Michael Jordaan, Co-founder of Bank Zero about the Financial Sector Conduct Authority's (FSCA) and Kokkie Kooyman, Executive Director & Portfolio Manager at Denker Capital about concerns over significant disparities in bank fees for similar products and services, and the authority's efforts to assess and regulate these pra…

1
Shadow economy exposed in SA Illicit economy report & Hollywood tariff proposal 1:13:54

28d ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Stephen Grootes speaks to Philippe Van Gils, Director of Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris International about the organization's latest report on illicit trade in South Africa and proposed public-private partnership to combat the issue. In other interviews, Anat Singh, SA Film Producer discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump's propo…

1
SA's unemployment fix & Buffett's legacy 1:17:35

29d ago1:17:35

1:17:35

Stephen Grootes speaks to Mamokgethi Molopyane, Mining and Labour Analyst about the recent amendments to the Code of Practice on Dismissals and potential impact on South Africa's unemployment rate and labour laws. In other interviews, Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo, and Warren Ingram, Co-Founder of Galileo Capital, reflect on Warren …

1
SA's R2bn Ithala guarantee & FARO's AI fashion fix 42:13

1M ago42:13

42:13

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Khaya Sithole, independent analyst about the R2 billion guarantee approved by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to secure Ithala Bank's retail depositors, amid controversy and opposition from KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC Francois Rodgers. In other interviews, Faro Co- Founder Amber Penney chats about how the startup Faro is u…

1
Unions shape SA's future & Why care is currency: The benefits war 1:23:38

1M ago1:23:38

1:23:38

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Andrew Levy, Labour economist on the role of unions in South Africa's socio-economic landscape and to Blessing Utete, Managing Executive of Old Mutual Corporate Consultants about on how employee benefits are driving the talent war. In other interviews, Grant Nader, Portfolio Manager at Benguela Global Fund Managers chats a…

1
SA's 3rd budget try & the cost of insurance claims 1:20:39

1M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Duncan Pieterse, Director-General of the National Treasury of South Africa and Khaya Sithole, independent analyst about the R75-billion shortfall and the revised budget plans following the withdrawal of the proposed VAT increase In other interviews, Consumer Ninja Wendy Knowler chats about how insurance companies often dro…

1
VAT hike that never was retail count costs & oil woes 1:17:35

1M ago1:17:35

1:17:35

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Zinhle Tyikwe, CEO of the Consumer Goods Council of SA, about the costs incurred by retailers due to the last-minute cancellation of the planned 0.5% VAT hike. In other interviews, Motheo Khoaripe discusses the US-China trade war's impact on oil prices and the global economy with Manqoba Madinane, Strategist: Fixed Income,…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Jo Skinner 49:08

1M ago49:08

49:08

**Discussion of Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Abuse and Other Mature Themes. Please proceed with caution.** Jo Skinner is a Brisbane based author of two novels, a practising GP as well as a long-distance runner. I connected with Jo online a couple of years ago now and have watched on with delight as she achieved her publication dream last yea…

1
Beef prices skyrocket & Saray Khumalo shares money, risk, and reward 1:25:14

1M ago1:25:14

1:25:14

Jane Dutton speaks to Thabile Nkunjana, agricultural economist about the impact of high cattle feed prices and a shortage of slaughter-ready cattle on beef prices, affecting local supermarkets and butcheries. In other interviews, Saray Khumalo, the trailblazing explorer and mountaineer who became the first black African woman to summit Mount Everes…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Lauren K McKellar 34:28

1M ago34:28

34:28

**Discussion of some mature themes** While Lauren K McKellar is no stranger to publishing, this year marks the release of her first foray into women's fiction with a thoroughly delightful, uplifting and thought-provoking novel entitled 'The Calendar Mums'. Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Calendar Mums' is a novel about motherhood and the importance o…

1
R100bn BEE Fund debate & helicopter tours: SA's economic & tourism boost? 39:48

1M ago39:48

39:48

Stephen Grootes discusses with Ndumiso Kubheka, Head of Economic Policy Desk at the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals, the outcomes of a meeting between the Association and Investment Professionals, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Financial Services Sector CEOs, focusing on the Transformation Fund's i…

1
Vat hike scrapped & central bank policy impact 1:23:21

1M ago1:23:21

1:23:21

Stephen Grootes speaks to Busi Mavuso, CEO at Business Leadership South Africa, Charles de Wet, Executive at ENS in the Tax practice as well as Alan Mukoki, CEO at Sacci about the reversal of the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike, announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, and what this decision means for South Africa's fiscal sustainability and e…

1
Capitec soars 52%! and SAA plots new flight path 1:23:41

1M ago1:23:41

1:23:41

Stephen Grootes speaks to outgoing Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie about his record-breaking R104m remuneration package, amid the bank's impressive 52% share price growth and 30% increase in headline earnings. In other interviews, SAA's CEO John Lamola discusses the airline's ambitious five-year turnaround plan, which includes a R2.25 billion investment …

1
IMF warns downturn, gold hits $3,500: VAT hike impact & risk strategies 1:20:07

1M ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Stephen Grootes discusses with Lumkile Mondi, Senior Lecturer at School of Economics and Business Science of the University of the Witwatersrand, the International Monetary Fund's downgraded global growth forecast amid Trump's tariff policies, alongside the surge in gold prices to a record $3,500 per ounce, driven by a weakening US dollar and marke…

1
Godongwana warns of R13.5bn VAT hole & wine wins on tariffs 1:20:57

2M ago1:20:57

1:20:57

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief economist at Econometrix and Sam Mkokeli, Business Times Columnist and political researcher about the R13.5bn financial gap if a VAT hike is halted. In other interviews, Michael Fridjhon, founder of Winewizard.co.za and Visiting Professor of Wine Business at the University of Cape Town e…

1
FIC pushes for compliance, Itac to introduce fees 1:18:18

2M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

Stephen Grootes speaks to Christopher Malan, Executive Manager for Compliance and Prevention at the Financial Intelligence Unit about plans for SA to exit the grey listing and businesses that are not carrying their weight. In other interviews, Ayabonga Cawe, Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission talks about the new…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Cassie Hamer 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

Cassie Hamer is not only an Australian bestselling author of 3 novels - 'After the Party', 'The End of Cuthbert Close' and the 'Truth About Faking It' - but a colleague, a writing buddy and most importantly, a dear friend. This month, Cassie has a new novel out. And listener’s it’s an absolute cracker. ‘The Stranger at the Table’ published by HQ Fi…

1
Jonas on US-SA Ties & Luxury Outlook 1:20:06

2M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

Stephen Grootes sits down with Mcebisi Jonas, former deputy finance minister and newly appointed special envoy to Washington, about advancing trade ties with the US. In other interviews, Evan Walker, Portfolio Manager at 36ONE Asset Management discusses Hermès surpassing LVMH in market capitalization, marking a significant shift in the luxury goods…

1
VAT hike dropped? Dr. Andrew Golding on making money 1:18:06

2M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Stephen Grootes speaks to Alan Mukoki, CEO at Sacci about the rand's recent strengthening against the US dollar, which has gained about 1.2% to trade at R18.91 per dollar, driven by potential ANC backing down on VAT hike plans and a weaker dollar globally. In other interviews, Dr. Andrew Golding, CEO of Pam Golding Property Group, discusses his car…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Sara Foster 42:48

2M ago42:48

42:48

Sara Foster is a Perth-based author of six best-selling psychological suspense novels that include ‘You Don’t Know Me’ The Hidden Hours’ and ‘All that is Lost Between Us’, along with the acclaimed dystopian thriller ‘The Hush’. Two of Sara’s novels have been optioned for TV and ‘You Don’t Know Me’ - a book I have read and absolutely loved - was ada…

1
Agriculture under siege: Trade & economic shock 1:16:27

2M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

Stephen Grootes speaks to Bhekani Zondo, agricultural economist for Trade Research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council about the economic impact of VAT hikes, revealing declines in GDP and agricultural output, and explores solutions to mitigate effects on low-income households. In other interviews, Chantal Marx, Head of Equity Research a…

1
Talking Aussie Books with Victoria Brownlee 34:43

2M ago34:43

34:43

Listeners, I may have mentioned once or twice on the podcast before that I’m a huge francophile. So whenever I have the chance to read a book that takes me back to France or immerses me in the sensory heaven that is French food and wine, I’ll savour it like a glass of Moet and Chandon. And so when a book called ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ set in France cr…

1
China-US trade war & SA's restructuring challenges 1:18:50

2M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr. Martyn Davies, former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on China, about the escalating China-US trade war, where China has vowed to "fight to the end" against US tariffs, imposing an 84% tariff on American goods and filing a suit at the World Trade Organization. In other interviews, Simphiwe Mo…

1
China hits back: 84% tariff on US goods in escalating trade war 8:31

2M ago8:31

8:31

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr. Martyn Davies, former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on China, about the escalating China-US trade war, where China has vowed to "fight to the end" against US tariffs, imposing an 84% tariff on American goods and filing a suit at the World Trade Organization. The Money Show is a podcast host…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Talking Aussie Books Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen