First Read

What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive into his latest book, The Lucky Son and the events that drove him to write it. We talk through the experience of his family finally seeing him performing on stage , his marriage to fellow ballet dancer Mary and their relationship with their daughter Sophie, who was born profoundly deaf. We also discuss the lasting impression his Houston Ballet director Ben Stevenson had on him, and his surprise final chapter with the Queensland Ballet.

First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin.
To read more about The Lucky Son, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lucky-son-9781761352607

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

What happens when a young peasant boy is given the chance to dance his way onto the world stage? For Li Cunxin, it was all about making the most of his luck. In our in depth interview with the internationally acclaimed dancer and bestselling author of Mao’s Last Dancer and The Lucky Son, we explore his extraordinary journey from childhood in China to the Beijing Dance Academy and the Houston Ballet. Li reflects on the life-changing influence of Teacher Xiao and Ben Stevenson, the opportunities that shaped his future, and the dramatic standoff with the Chinese consulate that threatened to cost him both his career and his family.

First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin.

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

What happens when the mental load becomes too much to bear? For cook and media personality Julie Goodwin, she had to reconfigure her life to take back her power. In this in-depth interview we cover Julie's ascendence from 'just a mum' on Masterchef's inaugural season, through to a period of work so intense she was eventually hospitalised. It's led her and her family to want to re-assess, and her new goal to help all families is laid out in her latest cookbook Home for Dinner.

If this episode brought anything up for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Julie Goodwin.

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr. Billy Garvey tackles the early years or raising boys, and is available now.
In Part 2, we discuss the teen years and beyond. We reflect on the importance of connection through play, the social media debate, and how to manage online and offline friendships. We also delve into how to have the hard conversations, what we should say, why it's important and why we must have them early and often.

First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey.

WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES

Websites
Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au
Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com

Phone support (in Australia)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.

What happens when our boys and their behaviour starts spiralling out of control? In Part 1 of our in-depth interview with developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey, author of Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys, we step through how to navigate the challenging early years of raising boys. We discuss toddler tantrums, the importance of connection and repair, and emotional regulation for kids and parents. We also reflect on the generational differences in parenting and Billy's personal experiences of childhood and parenting life. Part 2 of this interview releases 07/10/26.

First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Dr. Billy Garvey.

WHERE TO GET HELP AND RESOURCES

Websites
Raising Children Network - raisingchildren.net.au
Guiding Growing Minds - guidinggrowingminds.com

Phone support (in Australia)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline (counselling service for those aged 5 to 25) 1800 551 800

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.