60 acast.com <![CDATA[We're Not Helpful]]> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66235fd56556260012b98b6f en Books,Conversation,Interviews,Reviews,Comedy The book podcast for people who know nothing about books. Welcome to "We're Not Helpful," the podcast where unconventional meets literature! Join hosts Brayton, Eloise and Julian as they take a hilariously unhelpful dive into the world of books and writing.


In each episode, our hosts explore a variety of literary topics with their signature blend of wit, humor, and irreverence. From dissecting classic novels to debating the merits of various writing styles, "We're Not Helpful" offers a refreshing take on the literary world that's anything but conventional.


Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just dipping your toes into the literary pool, this podcast promises entertaining discussions that will leave you both enlightened and entertained. So, grab your favorite book and a cup of tea (or something stronger), and join us as we navigate through the pages of literature with our uniquely unhelpful perspective.

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]]> Welcome to "We're Not Helpful," the podcast where unconventional meets literature! Join hosts Brayton, Eloise and Julian as they take a hilariously unhelpful dive into the world of books and writing.


In each episode, our hosts explore a variety of literary topics with their signature blend of wit, humor, and irreverence. From dissecting classic novels to debating the merits of various writing styles, "We're Not Helpful" offers a refreshing take on the literary world that's anything but conventional.


Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just dipping your toes into the literary pool, this podcast promises entertaining discussions that will leave you both enlightened and entertained. So, grab your favorite book and a cup of tea (or something stronger), and join us as we navigate through the pages of literature with our uniquely unhelpful perspective.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> true nothelpfulpod@gmail.com 66235fd56556260012b98b6f were-not-helpful https://anchor.fm/s/ec0b98d8/podcast/rss episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/66235fd56556260012b98b6f/1713659856119-b6acdf5779d59f5ed305b4a06ebe759f.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66235fd56556260012b98b6f <![CDATA[We're Not Helpful]]> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/66235fd56556260012b98b6f Episode 55: Technically a Book Podcast Episode 55: Technically a Book Podcast Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:19:23 69d30d511d7024f1a760653c true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-55-technically-a-book-podcast 69d30d511d7024f1a760653c 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-55-technically-a-book-podcast full We came in with a plan to talk about the craft of writing recipes, what makes them work, what makes them infuriating, but the conversation quickly became an extended therapy session for Julian, former chef and a man with strong opinions about people who "can't cook." We do briefly discuss books, we promise.


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]]> We came in with a plan to talk about the craft of writing recipes, what makes them work, what makes them infuriating, but the conversation quickly became an extended therapy session for Julian, former chef and a man with strong opinions about people who "can't cook." We do briefly discuss books, we promise.


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]]> Episode 54: Old Woman Rants at Cloud! Episode 54: Old Woman Rants at Cloud! Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:24:36 69c1d39dfce4b829c548c090 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-54-old-woman-rants-at-cloud 69c1d39dfce4b829c548c090 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-54-old-woman-rants-at-cloud full A chaotic, rant-filled episode that eventually zeroes in on Wuthering Heights, unpacking its messy, toxic “love story,” the challenges of adapting such a dense novel, and the controversy surrounding casting and race in the latest film version. Along the way, we debate whether adaptations need to stay faithful, what gets lost when key themes are removed, and how much creative license is too much.


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]]> A chaotic, rant-filled episode that eventually zeroes in on Wuthering Heights, unpacking its messy, toxic “love story,” the challenges of adapting such a dense novel, and the controversy surrounding casting and race in the latest film version. Along the way, we debate whether adaptations need to stay faithful, what gets lost when key themes are removed, and how much creative license is too much.


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]]> Episode 53: We Demand Consequences! Episode 53: We Demand Consequences! Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:08:42 69ae7b727036d73902ad745c true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-53-we-demand-consequences 69ae7b727036d73902ad745c 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-53-we-demand-consequences full On this episode we discuss The Great Gatsby, whether or not it's themes are relevant to today's climate (HINT: VERY MUCH SO), and more importantly...is it actually good?



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]]> On this episode we discuss The Great Gatsby, whether or not it's themes are relevant to today's climate (HINT: VERY MUCH SO), and more importantly...is it actually good?



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]]> <![CDATA[Episode 52: I'm Not in the Mood]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:05:09 699c0981f863de959a643693 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-52-im-not-in-the-mood 699c0981f863de959a643693 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-52-im-not-in-the-mood full I mean....*gestures broadly at everything*... we understand. Sometimes you're just not feeling it.




https://theconversation.com/terry-pratchetts-novels-may-have-held-clues-to-his-dementia-a-decade-before-diagnosis-our-new-study-suggests-273777


https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a64917333/george-rr-martin-the-winds-of-winter-update-controversy/


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]]> I mean....*gestures broadly at everything*... we understand. Sometimes you're just not feeling it.




https://theconversation.com/terry-pratchetts-novels-may-have-held-clues-to-his-dementia-a-decade-before-diagnosis-our-new-study-suggests-273777


https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a64917333/george-rr-martin-the-winds-of-winter-update-controversy/


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]]> Episode 51: The Ice is Melting Episode 51: The Ice is Melting Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:11:50 698997213110cc5f25d5373b true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-51-the-ice-is-melting 698997213110cc5f25d5373b 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-51-the-ice-is-melting full Have you seen Heated Rivalry? Well one of us has and she really wants to talk about it!...also The Pitt!


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]]> Have you seen Heated Rivalry? Well one of us has and she really wants to talk about it!...also The Pitt!


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]]> The Helpful Parts: Conjuring Patrick Wilson The Helpful Parts: Conjuring Patrick Wilson Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:51:29 697860f2eefa744a9cb0e10d true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-helpful-parts-conjuring-patrick-wilon 697860f2eefa744a9cb0e10d 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-helpful-parts-conjuring-patrick-wilon Exploring The Conjuring films full In this special episode we summon the world of The Conjuring and ask the important question: how did Patrick Wilson become modern horror’s most reliable dad?


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]]> In this special episode we summon the world of The Conjuring and ask the important question: how did Patrick Wilson become modern horror’s most reliable dad?


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]]> Episode 50: Can I Speak to the Manager of the Simulation? Episode 50: Can I Speak to the Manager of the Simulation? Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT 1:25:42 69643d983a409cca49907889 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-50-can-i-speak-to-the-manager-of-the-simulation 69643d983a409cca49907889 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-50-can-i-speak-to-the-manager-of-the-simulation full Episode 50 marks our return with existential dread, AI jokes, and an urgent request to speak to the manager of the simulation. We rant, ramble, and eventually settle into a spoiler-filled discussion of Frankenstein, questioning monsters, creators, and whether Guillermo del Toro went too far...or not far enough?


Content warnings: discussions of death, violence, trauma, and existential themes.

Spoiler warning: this episode contains full spoilers for Frankenstein (2025).



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]]> Episode 50 marks our return with existential dread, AI jokes, and an urgent request to speak to the manager of the simulation. We rant, ramble, and eventually settle into a spoiler-filled discussion of Frankenstein, questioning monsters, creators, and whether Guillermo del Toro went too far...or not far enough?


Content warnings: discussions of death, violence, trauma, and existential themes.

Spoiler warning: this episode contains full spoilers for Frankenstein (2025).



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]]> Episode 49: 2025 - A Year That Definitely Happened Episode 49: 2025 - A Year That Definitely Happened Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:22:06 6953a5896d80a931eb32eed5 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-49-2025-a-year-that-definitely-happened 6953a5896d80a931eb32eed5 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-49-2025-a-year-that-definitely-happened full Out of all the years that have ever existed, 2025 was absolutely one of them.


In this very loose end-of-year retrospective, we look back on the things we loved, the things we didn't and the things that we absolutely did not plan for.


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]]> Out of all the years that have ever existed, 2025 was absolutely one of them.


In this very loose end-of-year retrospective, we look back on the things we loved, the things we didn't and the things that we absolutely did not plan for.


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]]> <![CDATA["I rolled a 1...again!"]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:52:44 6941369bcc3f4b4c73868136 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/i-rolled-a-1again 6941369bcc3f4b4c73868136 66235fd56556260012b98b6f i-rolled-a-1again Special Dungeons and Dragons Episode: Part 2 full Welcome back to part 2 of our special Dungeons and Dragons episode!


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]]> Welcome back to part 2 of our special Dungeons and Dragons episode!


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]]> <![CDATA["I rolled a 1...is that good?" ]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT 2:30:05 692e95b438d4386cbf0bae37 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/i-rolled-a-1is-that-good 692e95b438d4386cbf0bae37 66235fd56556260012b98b6f i-rolled-a-1is-that-good Special Dungeons and Dragons Episode: Part 1 full We're taking a break from regular episodes over the month over December. But never fear because we are here with the very first episode of our 2 part Dungeons and Dragons special. We really hope you enjoy how bad we all are at this game.



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]]> We're taking a break from regular episodes over the month over December. But never fear because we are here with the very first episode of our 2 part Dungeons and Dragons special. We really hope you enjoy how bad we all are at this game.



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]]> Episode 48: Staring at Cthulhu Like an Idiot Episode 48: Staring at Cthulhu Like an Idiot Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:11:07 691c258d7b9e972a6bf5fe32 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-48-staring-at-cthulhu-like-an-idiot 691c258d7b9e972a6bf5fe32 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-48-staring-at-cthulhu-like-an-idiot full We dive into millennial chaos, QR-code culture, and the bold internet heroes who think they could stare at Cthulhu without going insane. Plus, book talk, horror tangents, and a chaotic game where we guess classic opening lines horribly mangled by Google Translate.


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]]> We dive into millennial chaos, QR-code culture, and the bold internet heroes who think they could stare at Cthulhu without going insane. Plus, book talk, horror tangents, and a chaotic game where we guess classic opening lines horribly mangled by Google Translate.


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]]> Episode 47: In Defense of Skipping the Poems in Tolkien Episode 47: In Defense of Skipping the Poems in Tolkien Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:12:22 6909ab3a911793d2001d0c27 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-47-in-defense-of-skipping-the-poems-in-tolkien 6909ab3a911793d2001d0c27 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-47-in-defense-of-skipping-the-poems-in-tolkien full This week, we prove once again that we are—indeed—not helpful.


Join Eloise, Brayton, and Julian as we spiral from Queensland hailstorms and zombie movies into a full-scale literary meltdown. What starts as a casual chat about Supanova and Jean-Claude Van Damme somehow becomes an unhinged debate about Lord of the Rings, Gone Girl, and why Hamlet should probably just get on with it already.


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]]> This week, we prove once again that we are—indeed—not helpful.


Join Eloise, Brayton, and Julian as we spiral from Queensland hailstorms and zombie movies into a full-scale literary meltdown. What starts as a casual chat about Supanova and Jean-Claude Van Damme somehow becomes an unhinged debate about Lord of the Rings, Gone Girl, and why Hamlet should probably just get on with it already.


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]]> Episode 46: Fact or Fiction: Should It Be Accurate If It’s Boring? Episode 46: Fact or Fiction: Should It Be Accurate If It’s Boring? Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:13:10 68e38a098ade82e20e55ad96 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-46-fact-or-fiction-should-it-be-accurate-if-its-bori 68e38a098ade82e20e55ad96 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-46-fact-or-fiction-should-it-be-accurate-if-its-bori full This week, we accidentally stumble into a surprisingly deep question: does historical accuracy actually matter if the story’s good?

From Braveheart’s creative liberties to Chernobyl’s condensed timelines, we explore how far films and books can stretch the truth before it stops being “based on a true story” and starts being full-on fan-fiction.


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]]> This week, we accidentally stumble into a surprisingly deep question: does historical accuracy actually matter if the story’s good?

From Braveheart’s creative liberties to Chernobyl’s condensed timelines, we explore how far films and books can stretch the truth before it stops being “based on a true story” and starts being full-on fan-fiction.


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]]> Episode 45: Is Hugh Grant Too Charming to Be Scary? Episode 45: Is Hugh Grant Too Charming to Be Scary? Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:13:10 68d21f3a6f2bb8719ff9c0e8 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-45-is-hugh-grant-too-charming-to-be-scary 68d21f3a6f2bb8719ff9c0e8 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-45-is-hugh-grant-too-charming-to-be-scary full Hugh Grant in a horror movie? We ask if he’s just too charming to be scary. Plus: K-Pop Demon Hunters hype, why book lists make us rage, and the eternal crime of reheated coffee.


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]]> Hugh Grant in a horror movie? We ask if he’s just too charming to be scary. Plus: K-Pop Demon Hunters hype, why book lists make us rage, and the eternal crime of reheated coffee.


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]]> Episode 44: The Monster is Frankenstein Episode 44: The Monster is Frankenstein Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:14:44 68be94fbc4edefa05c437823 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-44-frankenstein-was-never-the-monster 68be94fbc4edefa05c437823 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-44-frankenstein-was-never-the-monster full This week we dig into Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein and the review that had us wondering if the critic even read the book. We chat about why the creature was never really the monster, how Hollywood keeps twisting the story, and what a faithful adaptation might actually look like. Plus, a few rants about media literacy and why The Pitt is a fantastic show and maybe we should've talked about that instead.


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]]> This week we dig into Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein and the review that had us wondering if the critic even read the book. We chat about why the creature was never really the monster, how Hollywood keeps twisting the story, and what a faithful adaptation might actually look like. Plus, a few rants about media literacy and why The Pitt is a fantastic show and maybe we should've talked about that instead.


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]]> <![CDATA[Episode 43: Books, Boundaries & the Bendigo Writers Festival]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:16:01 68ac17bc73bf5b6298e0eefb true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-43-books-boundaries-the-bendigo-writers-festival 68ac17bc73bf5b6298e0eefb 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-43-books-boundaries-the-bendigo-writers-festival full At the Bendigo Writers Festival, a new code of conduct sparked debate about free speech, safe spaces, and censorship. We dig into the controversy, and still manage tangents on The Naked Gun reboot, George R.R. Martin’s Sesame Street characters, and why fandoms never stop arguing.


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]]> At the Bendigo Writers Festival, a new code of conduct sparked debate about free speech, safe spaces, and censorship. We dig into the controversy, and still manage tangents on The Naked Gun reboot, George R.R. Martin’s Sesame Street characters, and why fandoms never stop arguing.


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]]> <![CDATA[Episode 42: Superman, Spicy Dracula & Dickens’ Worst Guest]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:08:43 689ae33d05ea39ad1f3034bc true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-42-superman-spicy-dracula-dickens-worst-guest 689ae33d05ea39ad1f3034bc 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-42-superman-spicy-dracula-dickens-worst-guest full We tried to stay on topic… but failed spectacularly. Starting with James Gunn’s Superman and a disastrously bad War of the Worlds remake, we somehow end up deep-diving into Iceland’s saucy Dracula, the time Hans Christian Andersen became Dickens’ houseguest from hell, and the bizarre habits of famous authors.


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]]> We tried to stay on topic… but failed spectacularly. Starting with James Gunn’s Superman and a disastrously bad War of the Worlds remake, we somehow end up deep-diving into Iceland’s saucy Dracula, the time Hans Christian Andersen became Dickens’ houseguest from hell, and the bizarre habits of famous authors.


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]]> Episode 41: Media Mysteries Episode 41: Media Mysteries Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:13:28 6874cb91c81f4db04a3b1fe1 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-41-media-mysteries 6874cb91c81f4db04a3b1fe1 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-41-media-mysteries A Dive into Forgotten Media full Welcome back to We’re Not Helpful! In this week’s episode, we dust off the shelves of time and plunge into the strange, shadowy world of lost literary works books that vanished, were never published, or were deliberately destroyed… and the enduring mysteries they left behind.


Find some lost media yourself here: https://lostmediawiki.com/Home


Article mentioned in the show: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/may/04/and-the-missing-briefcase-the-real-story-behind-harper-lees-lost-true-book


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]]> Welcome back to We’re Not Helpful! In this week’s episode, we dust off the shelves of time and plunge into the strange, shadowy world of lost literary works books that vanished, were never published, or were deliberately destroyed… and the enduring mysteries they left behind.


Find some lost media yourself here: https://lostmediawiki.com/Home


Article mentioned in the show: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/may/04/and-the-missing-briefcase-the-real-story-behind-harper-lees-lost-true-book


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Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 40: When Books Meet Film Episode 40: When Books Meet Film Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:17:54 68620ee8081ac1df5d2106a0 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-40-when-books-meet-film 68620ee8081ac1df5d2106a0 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-40-when-books-meet-film full Join us as we tumble unapologetically into discussions about various book adaptations, both the good and the bad. From Kubrick’s take on The Shining to Flanagan’s atmospheric recreations, and even the chaos of World War Z. We pick apart why some adaptations win our hearts while others leave us in head-scratching bewilderment. Sprinkled with rants on The Hobbit, Frankenstein, and, of course, some unexpected love for Nicholas Cage flicks.



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]]> Join us as we tumble unapologetically into discussions about various book adaptations, both the good and the bad. From Kubrick’s take on The Shining to Flanagan’s atmospheric recreations, and even the chaos of World War Z. We pick apart why some adaptations win our hearts while others leave us in head-scratching bewilderment. Sprinkled with rants on The Hobbit, Frankenstein, and, of course, some unexpected love for Nicholas Cage flicks.



Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 39: Conspiracies of the Quill Episode 39: Conspiracies of the Quill Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:18:06 684fca00b903c43b04bc0582 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-39-conspiracies-of-the-quill 684fca00b903c43b04bc0582 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-39-conspiracies-of-the-quill full In this wild ride of an episode, we jump into deep and thoroughly entertaining discussions on literary conspiracies. Did Christopher Marlow fake his own death? What really happened to Agatha Christie during her mysterious disappearance? Could HP Lovecraft have been keyed into actual cosmic horrors? We also humorously debate whether Lewis Carroll was Jack the Ripper and whether Stephen King has more skeletons in his closet than what he writes about. Full of laughs, wild theories, and a touch of horror, we're on our usual tangent-filled journey. Join us for a fun and totally unhelpful dive into the literary world's most intriguing mysteries and conspiracies!



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]]> In this wild ride of an episode, we jump into deep and thoroughly entertaining discussions on literary conspiracies. Did Christopher Marlow fake his own death? What really happened to Agatha Christie during her mysterious disappearance? Could HP Lovecraft have been keyed into actual cosmic horrors? We also humorously debate whether Lewis Carroll was Jack the Ripper and whether Stephen King has more skeletons in his closet than what he writes about. Full of laughs, wild theories, and a touch of horror, we're on our usual tangent-filled journey. Join us for a fun and totally unhelpful dive into the literary world's most intriguing mysteries and conspiracies!



Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> <![CDATA[The Helpful Parts: It's the Rani?! (or is it?)]]> Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:43:47 684386d2f47b55b37a6b23cd true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-helpful-parts-its-the-rani-or-is-it 684386d2f47b55b37a6b23cd 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-helpful-parts-its-the-rani-or-is-it A Doctor Who Recap full Another season of Doctor Who is complete, so you you what that means?! Eloise and Brayton are back to recap and ramble about our favourite Time Lord.


WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for the newest season, so watch then first before listening.


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]]> Another season of Doctor Who is complete, so you you what that means?! Eloise and Brayton are back to recap and ramble about our favourite Time Lord.


WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for the newest season, so watch then first before listening.


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]]> <![CDATA[Episode 38: Carrie's Mum]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:01:24 68294ab2ee813e8be2993faa true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-38-carries-mum 68294ab2ee813e8be2993faa 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-38-carries-mum full Jumping into a lively discussion about mums in literature. We dive deep into Carrie's fearsome mother, Molly Weasley's warmth, and other memorable mums. Of course we go of on tangents about bullshit jobs and a less than thrilling reading of The Axolotl Song. As usual, we're not super helpful, but wishing all mums a happy belated Mother’s Day!


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]]> Jumping into a lively discussion about mums in literature. We dive deep into Carrie's fearsome mother, Molly Weasley's warmth, and other memorable mums. Of course we go of on tangents about bullshit jobs and a less than thrilling reading of The Axolotl Song. As usual, we're not super helpful, but wishing all mums a happy belated Mother’s Day!


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Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 37: Words we Love to Hate Episode 37: Words we Love to Hate Tue, 06 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:07:27 6818140c6ac0e5213bd5fb44 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-37-words-we-love-to-hate 6818140c6ac0e5213bd5fb44 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-37-words-we-love-to-hate full In this episode we dive into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) ways language evolves — especially in online spaces, sparked by Eloise's strong feelings about the word “unalived".


We explore the reasons behind these linguistic shifts — from censorship and community guidelines to the power of words and cultural sensitivity. Along the way, we reflect on the importance of clear communication, the role of discomfort in language, and how euphemisms both help and hinder us.


Content Warning:

This episode includes discussions of death and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.


If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to a support service in your country:

International Helplines & Support Services:



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]]> In this episode we dive into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) ways language evolves — especially in online spaces, sparked by Eloise's strong feelings about the word “unalived".


We explore the reasons behind these linguistic shifts — from censorship and community guidelines to the power of words and cultural sensitivity. Along the way, we reflect on the importance of clear communication, the role of discomfort in language, and how euphemisms both help and hinder us.


Content Warning:

This episode includes discussions of death and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.


If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to a support service in your country:

International Helplines & Support Services:



Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 36: Cover to Cover Episode 36: Cover to Cover Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:05:44 68058631f4bf76eb41565e9e true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-36-cover-to-cover 68058631f4bf76eb41565e9e 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-36-cover-to-cover Dissecting the Dymocks 101 full In this episode, Eloise, Brayton, and Julian jump straight into the conversation discussing random topics (as per usual) ranging from 'raw dogging' flights, feelings of guilt, and random tangents into personal experiences and nostalgia, before diving into the Dymocks Top 101 Books for 2025. Casual, funny, and a bit all over the place - but did you expect anything different?


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]]> In this episode, Eloise, Brayton, and Julian jump straight into the conversation discussing random topics (as per usual) ranging from 'raw dogging' flights, feelings of guilt, and random tangents into personal experiences and nostalgia, before diving into the Dymocks Top 101 Books for 2025. Casual, funny, and a bit all over the place - but did you expect anything different?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

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]]> Episode 35: Reaching Conclusions Episode 35: Reaching Conclusions Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:20:16 67f1cef378b0739439f427b0 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-35-reaching-conclusions 67f1cef378b0739439f427b0 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-35-reaching-conclusions full Welcome to another episode of 'We're Not Helpful,' where the guys take us on a rollercoaster ride dissecting the Amazon Prime series 'Reacher.' Eloise is out for the week, so it's a boys' night in with Adrian as the special guest. From discussing the intricate plot lines, iconic characters, and the evolution of the show through its three seasons, they leave no stone unturned. It's casual, it's fun, and it's everything you didn't know you needed to know about Jack Reacher.


NOTE: Unfortunately one of us had an unstable internet connection while recording so the audio is not to a very high standard. We apologise for any listening inconvenience.


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]]> Welcome to another episode of 'We're Not Helpful,' where the guys take us on a rollercoaster ride dissecting the Amazon Prime series 'Reacher.' Eloise is out for the week, so it's a boys' night in with Adrian as the special guest. From discussing the intricate plot lines, iconic characters, and the evolution of the show through its three seasons, they leave no stone unturned. It's casual, it's fun, and it's everything you didn't know you needed to know about Jack Reacher.


NOTE: Unfortunately one of us had an unstable internet connection while recording so the audio is not to a very high standard. We apologise for any listening inconvenience.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 34: Megan White Episode 34: Megan White Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:07:45 67df8b286fb8062e17a2959a true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-34-megan-white 67df8b286fb8062e17a2959a 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-34-megan-white full In this special episode of 'We're Not Helpful' podcast, hosts Eloise, Brayton, and Julian are joined by Megan White, author of 'The Anatomy of Songs.' Megan shares the story of her writing career, including her time living in Scotland, working on a sheep farm, and her journey to becoming a published author. They delve into Megan’s writing process, the challenges of editing, and her inspirations. Megan also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming works and discusses the emotional connections she aims to create through her stories. Tune in for an engaging chat about books, writing, and everything in between.


Find Megan and her books here: https://meganwhiteauthor.com or https://newdawnpublishing.com.au


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]]> In this special episode of 'We're Not Helpful' podcast, hosts Eloise, Brayton, and Julian are joined by Megan White, author of 'The Anatomy of Songs.' Megan shares the story of her writing career, including her time living in Scotland, working on a sheep farm, and her journey to becoming a published author. They delve into Megan’s writing process, the challenges of editing, and her inspirations. Megan also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming works and discusses the emotional connections she aims to create through her stories. Tune in for an engaging chat about books, writing, and everything in between.


Find Megan and her books here: https://meganwhiteauthor.com or https://newdawnpublishing.com.au


Comments, questions, feedback?

Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 33: Stand Your Ground! Episode 33: Stand Your Ground! Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:15:46 67c9417848f26a4bca2cbc92 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-33-stand-your-ground 67c9417848f26a4bca2cbc92 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-33-stand-your-ground full In this fun episode of 'We're Not Helpful,' Eloise, Julian, and Brayton dive into some controversial writing opinions and discuss what hills people would be willing to die on when it comes to writing. They also navigate through listener mail, touching on witty poems sent in by listeners. Plenty of laughter, hot takes, and friendly banter!


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]]> In this fun episode of 'We're Not Helpful,' Eloise, Julian, and Brayton dive into some controversial writing opinions and discuss what hills people would be willing to die on when it comes to writing. They also navigate through listener mail, touching on witty poems sent in by listeners. Plenty of laughter, hot takes, and friendly banter!


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

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]]> Episode 32: ANOTHER Dark and Stormy Night! Episode 32: ANOTHER Dark and Stormy Night! Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:04:48 67afd7e04d9bd1092c02d627 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-32-another-dark-and-stormy-night 67afd7e04d9bd1092c02d627 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-32-another-dark-and-stormy-night full Back by popular demand? Maybe? We return to reading entrants from the 2024 winners of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. The annual competition that challenges authors to write the "best" worst opening to a novel possible.


If you enjoyed them you can read more entries here: https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/


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]]> Back by popular demand? Maybe? We return to reading entrants from the 2024 winners of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. The annual competition that challenges authors to write the "best" worst opening to a novel possible.


If you enjoyed them you can read more entries here: https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> Episode 31: Cancelled! Episode 31: Cancelled! Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:28:54 6796eaeeec3194f0e069efce true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-31-cancelled 6796eaeeec3194f0e069efce 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-31-cancelled full In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the controversial issue of book banning. As the conversation around censorship in schools and libraries grows louder, we examine the complex question: is book banning ever truly justified?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the controversial issue of book banning. As the conversation around censorship in schools and libraries grows louder, we examine the complex question: is book banning ever truly justified?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

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]]> Episode 30: To be, or not to be... Episode 30: To be, or not to be... Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:31:54 678ee84a5dd9c67f1736ccc0 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-30-to-be-or-not-to-be 678ee84a5dd9c67f1736ccc0 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-30-to-be-or-not-to-be full In this episode, we dive deep into the life and works of one of history's most influential writers—William Shakespeare. Join us as we explore the enduring legacy of his plays, the complex characters that continue to resonate today, and the linguistic brilliance that set him apart. We also ask the tough difficult questions, such as "Who really wrote Shakespeare's play?" - Spoilers: It was probably Shakespeare.


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Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

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]]> In this episode, we dive deep into the life and works of one of history's most influential writers—William Shakespeare. Join us as we explore the enduring legacy of his plays, the complex characters that continue to resonate today, and the linguistic brilliance that set him apart. We also ask the tough difficult questions, such as "Who really wrote Shakespeare's play?" - Spoilers: It was probably Shakespeare.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

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]]> Episode 29: New Year...New Us? Episode 29: New Year...New Us? Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:00:17 GMT 1:07:32 6779e309d83630b6e3447193 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-29-new-yearnew-us 6779e309d83630b6e3447193 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-29-new-yearnew-us full It's 2025 and to celebrate we are back with a new episode! Do you like to make new year's resolutions? Do you stick to them? Today we discuss whether making new years reading resolutions are beneficial or if making too lofty goals are doing more harm than good?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

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]]> It's 2025 and to celebrate we are back with a new episode! Do you like to make new year's resolutions? Do you stick to them? Today we discuss whether making new years reading resolutions are beneficial or if making too lofty goals are doing more harm than good?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

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Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

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]]> <![CDATA[The Helpful Parts: We're Terrified! ]]> Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:00:19 GMT 1:35:21 676f60358183a8a36a93e016 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-helpful-parts-were-terrified 676f60358183a8a36a93e016 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-helpful-parts-were-terrified full This week, we're still on a break, so of course we’re diving headfirst into the bloody, gory madness of the Terrifier movies!


If you’re a die-hard horror fan or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this one’s for you. So join us for a fun, slightly chaotic conversation about all things Terrifier!


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, we're still on a break, so of course we’re diving headfirst into the bloody, gory madness of the Terrifier movies!


If you’re a die-hard horror fan or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this one’s for you. So join us for a fun, slightly chaotic conversation about all things Terrifier!


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Helpful Parts: We talk about The Rings of Power The Helpful Parts: We talk about The Rings of Power Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:00:50 GMT 1:28:13 675396917205a5bc68835854 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-helpful-parts-we-talk-about-the-rings-of-power 675396917205a5bc68835854 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-helpful-parts-we-talk-about-the-rings-of-power full This week we are on holidays, so we are diverting from our usual episode format to discuss The Lord of the Rings...again. Though this time we are discussing the Amazon Prime series "The Rings of Power". Did we like it or was it a resounding "Meh"? You'll have to listen to find out.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week we are on holidays, so we are diverting from our usual episode format to discuss The Lord of the Rings...again. Though this time we are discussing the Amazon Prime series "The Rings of Power". Did we like it or was it a resounding "Meh"? You'll have to listen to find out.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 28: It's a Christmas Movie!]]> Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:00:46 GMT 1:18:16 674d66c03bd1d4df2818297a true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-28-its-a-christmas-movie 674d66c03bd1d4df2818297a 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-28-its-a-christmas-movie full Get ready for some festive fun as we dive into the ultimate showdown of Christmas movies! In this episode, we rank the best (and maybe some of the worst) holiday classics—from Elf and the action-packed Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie, no we won't be taking questions).


We’ll discuss what makes a holiday movie truly iconic, share nostalgic memories, and settle age-old debates about the greatest Christmas films of all time. So grab your cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights, and join us as we spread some cinematic cheer.


What’s your favorite holiday movie? Let us know and see if it made the cut! 


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Get ready for some festive fun as we dive into the ultimate showdown of Christmas movies! In this episode, we rank the best (and maybe some of the worst) holiday classics—from Elf and the action-packed Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie, no we won't be taking questions).


We’ll discuss what makes a holiday movie truly iconic, share nostalgic memories, and settle age-old debates about the greatest Christmas films of all time. So grab your cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights, and join us as we spread some cinematic cheer.


What’s your favorite holiday movie? Let us know and see if it made the cut! 


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

Threads: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 27: The Group Gets Political Episode 27: The Group Gets Political Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:00:47 GMT 1:18:29 673af76581644d41a20fdf88 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-27-the-group-gets-political 673af76581644d41a20fdf88 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-27-the-group-gets-political full Well it was bound to happen eventually, the long arm of politics has finally reached this show. Join us as we discuss whether or not content creators in the book space should strive to be apolitical, or is it impossible to separate the two?


Note: the opinions expressed in this episode are ours alone.


Music mentioned in the video:

https://daltondeschain.bandcamp.com/

https://bloomersound.bandcamp.com/album/butterfly-world


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpfful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Well it was bound to happen eventually, the long arm of politics has finally reached this show. Join us as we discuss whether or not content creators in the book space should strive to be apolitical, or is it impossible to separate the two?


Note: the opinions expressed in this episode are ours alone.


Music mentioned in the video:

https://daltondeschain.bandcamp.com/

https://bloomersound.bandcamp.com/album/butterfly-world


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at:

Email: nothelpfulpod@gmail.com

Facebook: We're Not Helpfful podcast

Instagram: @nothelpfulpod

TikTok: @nothelpfulpod

Bluesky: @nothelpfulpod.bsk.social

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 26: One Anniversary to Rule Them All! Episode 26: One Anniversary to Rule Them All! Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:00:11 GMT 1:12:17 672887e7d95ef82dfa0d1f41 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-26-one-anniversary-to-rule-them-all 672887e7d95ef82dfa0d1f41 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-26-one-anniversary-to-rule-them-all full We made it to our one year anniversary! And what better way to celebrate than by doing a Lord of the Ring trivia challenge. Listen as Eloise tries her best to answer some Tolkien Trivia and then go off on a lot of random tangents, but did you expect anything different from us by this point?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and now Bluesky!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We made it to our one year anniversary! And what better way to celebrate than by doing a Lord of the Ring trivia challenge. Listen as Eloise tries her best to answer some Tolkien Trivia and then go off on a lot of random tangents, but did you expect anything different from us by this point?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and now Bluesky!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 25: The King of Horror Episode 25: The King of Horror Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:00:20 GMT 1:20:33 67160ba307c991f2599937ad true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-king-of-horror 67160ba307c991f2599937ad 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-king-of-horror full CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of adult themes including abuse and gun violence.


In this spine-tingling episode of We’re Not Helpful, we dive deep into the terrifying world of Stephen King! From iconic works like It and The Shining to underrated gems, we explore the stories, characters, and nightmares that have haunted readers for decades. We’ll discuss what makes King’s writing so terrifying, his unique storytelling style, and the best and worst of the film and TV adaptations.


Of course, true to form, we’ll go off-track and likely give you zero useful info. Whether you're a hardcore Stephen King fan or just here for the chaos, tune in for an episode that’s equal parts spooky and silly.


Spoilers ahead for many Stephen King stories.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and now Bluesky!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of adult themes including abuse and gun violence.


In this spine-tingling episode of We’re Not Helpful, we dive deep into the terrifying world of Stephen King! From iconic works like It and The Shining to underrated gems, we explore the stories, characters, and nightmares that have haunted readers for decades. We’ll discuss what makes King’s writing so terrifying, his unique storytelling style, and the best and worst of the film and TV adaptations.


Of course, true to form, we’ll go off-track and likely give you zero useful info. Whether you're a hardcore Stephen King fan or just here for the chaos, tune in for an episode that’s equal parts spooky and silly.


Spoilers ahead for many Stephen King stories.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and now Bluesky!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 24: Morality and Murders Episode 24: Morality and Murders Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMT 1:19:07 670368ddfc23de5763b951e0 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-24-morality-and-murders 670368ddfc23de5763b951e0 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-24-morality-and-murders full We have officially entered spooky season, and to celebrate we start off asking an ethical quandary which breaks Eloise's brain, before moving onto a discussion all about horror. We cover a lot of different topics from the works of H.P. Lovecraft to Stephen King and the films that have shaped horror discourse over the last 50 years, as we attempt to answer the question, "What is horror and why do people like to be scared?"


Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and ignore that strange sound coming from the attic...


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We have officially entered spooky season, and to celebrate we start off asking an ethical quandary which breaks Eloise's brain, before moving onto a discussion all about horror. We cover a lot of different topics from the works of H.P. Lovecraft to Stephen King and the films that have shaped horror discourse over the last 50 years, as we attempt to answer the question, "What is horror and why do people like to be scared?"


Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and ignore that strange sound coming from the attic...


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 23: Literally Unreadable! One Star! Episode 23: Literally Unreadable! One Star! Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:00:55 GMT 1:11:47 66f0e408a23a2005398a161e true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-23-literally-unreadable-one-star 66f0e408a23a2005398a161e 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-23-literally-unreadable-one-star full In this hilarious episode join our hosts as they dive into the wild world of one-star reviews for some of literature's most beloved books! From baffling critiques to outrageous complaints, our hosts read, react, and try to guess the titles of these infamous reads. Will they recognize the classics, or will the reviews leave them scratching their heads? Tune in for a fun-filled journey through literary misinterpretations, unexpected hilarity, and a celebration of why reading can be so delightfully subjective.


Grab your favorite book (or not!) and settle in for an episode that proves sometimes, even the greatest stories can have the worst reviews.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this hilarious episode join our hosts as they dive into the wild world of one-star reviews for some of literature's most beloved books! From baffling critiques to outrageous complaints, our hosts read, react, and try to guess the titles of these infamous reads. Will they recognize the classics, or will the reviews leave them scratching their heads? Tune in for a fun-filled journey through literary misinterpretations, unexpected hilarity, and a celebration of why reading can be so delightfully subjective.


Grab your favorite book (or not!) and settle in for an episode that proves sometimes, even the greatest stories can have the worst reviews.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 22: Death of the Author Episode 22: Death of the Author Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:00:42 GMT 56:43 66debdb6d201fac65d464bbe true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-22-death-of-the-author 66debdb6d201fac65d464bbe 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-22-death-of-the-author full In this episode we tackle the highbrow literary theory known as "The Death of an Author"—and by "tackle," we mean we kind of bump into it, spill our coffee, and then pretend we know what we're talking about. Join us as we try to explain why the author's intentions may or may not matter. Is it deep? Sure. Is it helpful? Absolutely not.


Links to things discussed this episode:


Roland Barthes' original essay "Death of the Author" - https://writing.upenn.edu/~taransky/Barthes.pdf


Lindsey Ellis video essay "Death of the Author" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGn9x4-Y_7A


Eloise's Tumblr Comic - https://www.instagram.com/p/C_fVayvPehA/



Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode we tackle the highbrow literary theory known as "The Death of an Author"—and by "tackle," we mean we kind of bump into it, spill our coffee, and then pretend we know what we're talking about. Join us as we try to explain why the author's intentions may or may not matter. Is it deep? Sure. Is it helpful? Absolutely not.


Links to things discussed this episode:


Roland Barthes' original essay "Death of the Author" - https://writing.upenn.edu/~taransky/Barthes.pdf


Lindsey Ellis video essay "Death of the Author" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGn9x4-Y_7A


Eloise's Tumblr Comic - https://www.instagram.com/p/C_fVayvPehA/



Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 21: Art vs Artist Episode 21: Art vs Artist Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:00:10 GMT 1:19:05 66cd93e41ab05b141a31f008 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-21-art-vs-artist 66cd93e41ab05b141a31f008 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-21-art-vs-artist full Should you able to enjoy things produced by horrible people without fear of judgement from others?


Do public figures need to be held to a higher standard than others?


Can you truly sperate the art from the artist?


CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of sexual assault and transphobia


Links to videos mentioned in the show:


https://youtu.be/P60gfp4VBQQ?si=Kcj4hltxItdGMwV8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xmeEXDFM8I


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Should you able to enjoy things produced by horrible people without fear of judgement from others?


Do public figures need to be held to a higher standard than others?


Can you truly sperate the art from the artist?


CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of sexual assault and transphobia


Links to videos mentioned in the show:


https://youtu.be/P60gfp4VBQQ?si=Kcj4hltxItdGMwV8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xmeEXDFM8I


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 20: Don't Miss Your Flight]]> Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:00:17 GMT 1:14:06 66b9bb687807a62ff2bc8c24 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-20-dont-miss-your-flght 66b9bb687807a62ff2bc8c24 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-20-dont-miss-your-flght full Julian wasn't feeling well so we recruited our good friend Adrian to talk about his area of expertise. If you've ever taken a flight then you might've had one of these with you. That's right, on this episode we are talking about Airport Fiction! From James Patterson, Lee Child and Matthew Reilly (actually a lot about Matthew Reilly) we talk about the tropes and themes in these fast pace thrillers that can make the longest plane trip fly by.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Julian wasn't feeling well so we recruited our good friend Adrian to talk about his area of expertise. If you've ever taken a flight then you might've had one of these with you. That's right, on this episode we are talking about Airport Fiction! From James Patterson, Lee Child and Matthew Reilly (actually a lot about Matthew Reilly) we talk about the tropes and themes in these fast pace thrillers that can make the longest plane trip fly by.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 19: The Dilemma Episode 19: The Dilemma Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:00:49 GMT 1:08:02 66a75a0e4f15d7bb3088a923 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-19-the-dilemma 66a75a0e4f15d7bb3088a923 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-19-the-dilemma full Have you ever found yourself staring at your bookshelf, unable to muster the motivation to pick up a book? You're not alone. We'll discuss common causes of reading slumps and share some tips to reignite your love for reading. Well, we try to. Our conversation also takes a turn into the digital age. How are e-books, audiobooks, and the endless distractions of social media affecting our reading habits?


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Have you ever found yourself staring at your bookshelf, unable to muster the motivation to pick up a book? You're not alone. We'll discuss common causes of reading slumps and share some tips to reignite your love for reading. Well, we try to. Our conversation also takes a turn into the digital age. How are e-books, audiobooks, and the endless distractions of social media affecting our reading habits?


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 18: It's Sleepytime ]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:00:00 GMT 1:17:01 6694ebe015f74cfe39b791b3 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/its-sleepytime 6694ebe015f74cfe39b791b3 66235fd56556260012b98b6f its-sleepytime Featuring The Quiet Corner Bedtime Stories full Joining us this week is Annie, the host of The Quiet Corner Bedtime Stories podcast. We touch on a lot of topics from narrating audiobooks to Stephen King to The Wheel of Time. It really has a bit of something for everyone.


EXTRA NOTE: Brayton had some audio issues, caused by him forgetting to check which microphone was actually recording, so apologies for some of the audio not being to the usual level.


Check out The Quiet Corner Bedtime Stories wherever you find your podcasts, or on her website: https://thequietcornerbedt.wixsite.com/my-site-1 or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thequietcornerbedtimestories/


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Joining us this week is Annie, the host of The Quiet Corner Bedtime Stories podcast. We touch on a lot of topics from narrating audiobooks to Stephen King to The Wheel of Time. It really has a bit of something for everyone.


EXTRA NOTE: Brayton had some audio issues, caused by him forgetting to check which microphone was actually recording, so apologies for some of the audio not being to the usual level.


Check out The Quiet Corner Bedtime Stories wherever you find your podcasts, or on her website: https://thequietcornerbedt.wixsite.com/my-site-1 or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thequietcornerbedtimestories/


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Honey and Horror Honey and Horror Sat, 06 Jul 2024 14:00:07 GMT 1:22:03 6688dfa7453c109b96d3c522 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/honey-and-horror 6688dfa7453c109b96d3c522 66235fd56556260012b98b6f honey-and-horror A deep dive into Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey full Are you a horror fan? In this episode we venture into the unexpected and eerie world of the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 1 & 2.


Join us as we dissect this dark reimagining of the beloved children's classic. Are they worthy of your time or should they be relegated to the bargain bin?


WARNING: This episode contains discussions of violence and adult themes, as well as full spoilers for both films.


If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more content like it please drop us an email and let us know at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are you a horror fan? In this episode we venture into the unexpected and eerie world of the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 1 & 2.


Join us as we dissect this dark reimagining of the beloved children's classic. Are they worthy of your time or should they be relegated to the bargain bin?


WARNING: This episode contains discussions of violence and adult themes, as well as full spoilers for both films.


If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more content like it please drop us an email and let us know at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Our Doctor Moment Our Doctor Moment Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:02:26 GMT 1:26:28 667cf2629e1803392ee8193c true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/our-doctor-moment 667cf2629e1803392ee8193c 66235fd56556260012b98b6f our-doctor-moment A Doctor Who Retrospective full Are you a Doctor Who fan? Well do we have a treat for you. In this very special episode (that was meant to just be a quick chat...oops!) Eloise and Brayton discuss the newest season (season 1? 14? 40?) of Doctor Who. From the state of the series after the Jodie Whittaker era to the return of David Tennent and the introduction of the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa we discuss the highs and lows of the newest episodes, and just generally geek out over a silly little sci-fi series that we love.


WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for the newest season, so watch first before listening.


If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more content like it please drop us an email and let us know at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are you a Doctor Who fan? Well do we have a treat for you. In this very special episode (that was meant to just be a quick chat...oops!) Eloise and Brayton discuss the newest season (season 1? 14? 40?) of Doctor Who. From the state of the series after the Jodie Whittaker era to the return of David Tennent and the introduction of the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa we discuss the highs and lows of the newest episodes, and just generally geek out over a silly little sci-fi series that we love.


WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for the newest season, so watch first before listening.


If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more content like it please drop us an email and let us know at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 17 - Time Takes Time Episode 17 - Time Takes Time Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:00:38 GMT 59:20 666ffeb3afc733fd935fe079 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-17-time-takes-time 666ffeb3afc733fd935fe079 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-17-time-takes-time full In this episode we delve into a profound yet often overlooked aspect of human experience: grief in the face of tragedy. Brayton discusses how he has been navigating these turbulent waters following the loss of a family member. Whether you're seeking solace or guidance, we hope this episode helps people experiencing the whirlwind of emotions that can come at times like these feel like they are not so alone.  


Content Warning: death, grief, mental health


Some books mentioned in this episode:

  • Hardcore Grief Recovery Workbook by Steve Case
  • Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Jeffrey Rubin and Joanne Cacciatore
  • Lonely Planet's Guide to Death, Grief and Rebirth


If you our someone you know is struggling with mental health related issues please reach out to friends and family or support services such as Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).


Find a list of international crisis lines here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode we delve into a profound yet often overlooked aspect of human experience: grief in the face of tragedy. Brayton discusses how he has been navigating these turbulent waters following the loss of a family member. Whether you're seeking solace or guidance, we hope this episode helps people experiencing the whirlwind of emotions that can come at times like these feel like they are not so alone.  


Content Warning: death, grief, mental health


Some books mentioned in this episode:

  • Hardcore Grief Recovery Workbook by Steve Case
  • Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Jeffrey Rubin and Joanne Cacciatore
  • Lonely Planet's Guide to Death, Grief and Rebirth


If you our someone you know is struggling with mental health related issues please reach out to friends and family or support services such as Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).


Find a list of international crisis lines here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 16: Kate Mac Episode 16: Kate Mac Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:00:18 GMT 1:07:40 665a7c4be9a55800114e4833 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-16-kate-mac 665a7c4be9a55800114e4833 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-16-kate-mac full On this episode Brayton and Eloise chat with fellow Brisbanite, author of the Flamegate Duology, Kate Mac. We have such a fun conversation touching on a variety of different topics, not only about as her journey in writing and self publishing, not one, but two novels, but we also about life and pop culture references. We were also very lucky to be joined by her dog Banjo, who voiced his opinions about certain topics throughout.


Check out the first episode of The Helpful Parts to hear a mini review of The Flamegate Duology.


This interview was recorded April 10, 2024.


Checkout Kate's website and buy her books here: https://katemacwriting.com/ and follow her on Instragram at @katemacwriting


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode Brayton and Eloise chat with fellow Brisbanite, author of the Flamegate Duology, Kate Mac. We have such a fun conversation touching on a variety of different topics, not only about as her journey in writing and self publishing, not one, but two novels, but we also about life and pop culture references. We were also very lucky to be joined by her dog Banjo, who voiced his opinions about certain topics throughout.


Check out the first episode of The Helpful Parts to hear a mini review of The Flamegate Duology.


This interview was recorded April 10, 2024.


Checkout Kate's website and buy her books here: https://katemacwriting.com/ and follow her on Instragram at @katemacwriting


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 15 - Writers...Write! Episode 15 - Writers...Write! Tue, 21 May 2024 14:00:05 GMT 1:02:50 664b2644e25fc50012e01fd0 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-14-writerswrite 664b2644e25fc50012e01fd0 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-14-writerswrite full On this episode a listener's email sparks a discussion as to whether or not there are rules that a writer must follow if they want a successful book. Is there only one way to write a book, or do you have to track your own literary path?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode a listener's email sparks a discussion as to whether or not there are rules that a writer must follow if they want a successful book. Is there only one way to write a book, or do you have to track your own literary path?


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 14 - Violeta M. Bagia Episode 14 - Violeta M. Bagia Tue, 07 May 2024 14:00:37 GMT 59:22 6636dc5a2c27a30012f364e5 true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/episode-14-violeta-m-bagia 6636dc5a2c27a30012f364e5 66235fd56556260012b98b6f episode-14-violeta-m-bagia full On this episode we chat with Melbourne based author Violeta M. Bagia. She has written books in the Urban Fantasy, Sci-fi and Dark Romance genres (don't worry we ask exactly what 'dark romance' means) and will soon be branching out into the crime genre.


She is also an advocate for mental heath, women's rights and a supporter of sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. She also works as a creative coach helping would be writers begin or polish their work.


We talk about life, writing, and her work in helping people overcome their struggles to be the best that they can.


We really hope you enjoy.


You can find more about Violeta at her website https://www.writepointcoaching.com/


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode we chat with Melbourne based author Violeta M. Bagia. She has written books in the Urban Fantasy, Sci-fi and Dark Romance genres (don't worry we ask exactly what 'dark romance' means) and will soon be branching out into the crime genre.


She is also an advocate for mental heath, women's rights and a supporter of sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. She also works as a creative coach helping would be writers begin or polish their work.


We talk about life, writing, and her work in helping people overcome their struggles to be the best that they can.


We really hope you enjoy.


You can find more about Violeta at her website https://www.writepointcoaching.com/


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Helpful Parts: Thar She Blows! The Helpful Parts: Thar She Blows! Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:00:02 GMT 51:22 662b80547c82d00012c973bc true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/the-helpful-parts-thar-she-blows 662b80547c82d00012c973bc 66235fd56556260012b98b6f the-helpful-parts-thar-she-blows A Moby Dick Retrospective full In this highly anticipated episode Eloise finally gets to let loose and let out her most intimate thoughts about the saga that is Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Published in 1851 is has become known as one of the Great American Novels, does it deserve this reputation? Listen and find out!


Host's Note: We recorded this episode in person and unfortunately we still have a lot to learn as our set up was, in the end, not ideal. We hope you will forgive the slightly dodgy audio, especially on Brayton's side, he's very sorry. We will strive to improve next time. But if you listen closely you can hear a cameo from a lovely group of budgies in the background.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this highly anticipated episode Eloise finally gets to let loose and let out her most intimate thoughts about the saga that is Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Published in 1851 is has become known as one of the Great American Novels, does it deserve this reputation? Listen and find out!


Host's Note: We recorded this episode in person and unfortunately we still have a lot to learn as our set up was, in the end, not ideal. We hope you will forgive the slightly dodgy audio, especially on Brayton's side, he's very sorry. We will strive to improve next time. But if you listen closely you can hear a cameo from a lovely group of budgies in the background.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 13 - "If it's on the list it must be good...!"]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:00:14 GMT 1:01:08 662768fa0d1cbd00138f3ecc true https://shows.acast.com/were-not-helpful/episodes/if-its-on-the-list-it-must-be-good 662768fa0d1cbd00138f3ecc 66235fd56556260012b98b6f if-its-on-the-list-it-must-be-good full What started as a discussion quickly descends into discussions about the timelessness of Lord of the Rings, the recent controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling and the question of whether or not George RR Martin will ever finish those books! Amongst all this we also discuss the books on the 2024 Dymocks 101 list. Did your favourite book make it this year?


Also if you listen carefully it's revealed Julian has never listened to an episode of his own show.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What started as a discussion quickly descends into discussions about the timelessness of Lord of the Rings, the recent controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling and the question of whether or not George RR Martin will ever finish those books! Amongst all this we also discuss the books on the 2024 Dymocks 101 list. Did your favourite book make it this year?


Also if you listen carefully it's revealed Julian has never listened to an episode of his own show.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 12 - An Interview with Sarah Beth Goncarova Episode 12 - An Interview with Sarah Beth Goncarova Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:00:00 GMT 1:09:02 0d96ba44-7fc8-439e-9d29-72ccbb4279c2 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-12---An-Interview-with-Sarah-Beth-Goncarova-e2htjg8 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d3 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full This week we are joined, all the way from Connecticut, by American writer, composer, and visual artist Sarah Beth Goncarova.

We discuss her amazing life and work in not only trying to encourage children to read, but also her goal of bringing some magic back into the world.

We really hope you enjoy :)



You can find Sarah Beth at claygrousekids.org or on her YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@readaloudwithabba

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week we are joined, all the way from Connecticut, by American writer, composer, and visual artist Sarah Beth Goncarova.

We discuss her amazing life and work in not only trying to encourage children to read, but also her goal of bringing some magic back into the world.

We really hope you enjoy :)



You can find Sarah Beth at claygrousekids.org or on her YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@readaloudwithabba

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 11 - "A Dark and Stormy Night..."]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:00:00 GMT 1:06:27 e0d2a1c8-88da-4db3-9a5a-0cd9da7827ad false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-11---A-Dark-and-Stormy-Night-e2hhjd6 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d4 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full On this episode we take a break from....whatever we had been doing previously, and have some fun reading entrants from the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. An annual contest that challenges authors to write the "best" worst opening to a novel possible. If you enjoyed them you can read more entries here: https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode we take a break from....whatever we had been doing previously, and have some fun reading entrants from the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. An annual contest that challenges authors to write the "best" worst opening to a novel possible. If you enjoyed them you can read more entries here: https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Episode 10 - The "Right" Way to Write]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:00:00 GMT 1:03:13 59f010aa-8027-4e9c-a9c7-66bba663581f false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-10---The-Right-Way-to-Write-e2gv4p5 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d5 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full Authors, this episode is for you! Have you ever gotten bad writing advice? Well you're not the only one.

In this episode we have scoured the internet for terrible writing advice and we break down if it is actually bad advice or just misunderstood.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Authors, this episode is for you! Have you ever gotten bad writing advice? Well you're not the only one.

In this episode we have scoured the internet for terrible writing advice and we break down if it is actually bad advice or just misunderstood.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Helpful Parts: The Flamegate Duology by Kate Mac The Helpful Parts: The Flamegate Duology by Kate Mac Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:41:53 GMT 11:11 3d23ffe2-9650-434c-ae36-58374585d242 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/The-Helpful-Parts-The-Flamegate-Duology-by-Kate-Mac-e2gon89 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d6 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full Welcome to the first episode of The Helpful Parts. A spin-off series where we talk about things that might not fit into a regular episode.


In this special short episode Brayton talks about a book series that he has felt the need to discuss. The Flamegate Duology by Kate Mac and hopefully convinces you to read it too!


Check out the authors website and buy her books here: https://katemacwriting.com/ and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/katemacwriting/

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to the first episode of The Helpful Parts. A spin-off series where we talk about things that might not fit into a regular episode.


In this special short episode Brayton talks about a book series that he has felt the need to discuss. The Flamegate Duology by Kate Mac and hopefully convinces you to read it too!


Check out the authors website and buy her books here: https://katemacwriting.com/ and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/katemacwriting/

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 9 - Harry Potter and the Fellowship of the Ring Episode 9 - Harry Potter and the Fellowship of the Ring Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMT 52:11 bcf037b1-218f-4020-950c-3c25b938169f false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-9---Harry-Potter-and-the-Fellowship-of-the-Ring-e2g99a7 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d7 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full On this episode not only do we discuss the two biggest book to film adaptations in the last decades, as well as a few other we love, or hate, be we also get our first hate mail. But do we all burst into tears?....well yes, but it's unrelated.

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook and now available on TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode not only do we discuss the two biggest book to film adaptations in the last decades, as well as a few other we love, or hate, be we also get our first hate mail. But do we all burst into tears?....well yes, but it's unrelated.

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook and now available on TikTok.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 8 - Squeeze your Sperm! Episode 8 - Squeeze your Sperm! Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMT 55:20 c58de5cd-76c9-49e4-8318-4f816713a97e false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-8---Squeeze-your-Sperm-e2fne8s 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d8 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full Happy Valentines Day everyone! In this very romantic episode we talk about sperm....whales as we get a listener email trying to help Eloise better understand Moby Dick. Will it work or will it just make her more frustrated?


And one of us has published a book! Who is it? You'll have to listen to find out. We are not above using clickbait.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook and now available on TikTok .

Buy our mystery authors new book here: https://amzn.asia/d/40DfywU


Sign the Reopen Boggo Road Gaol (Jail) petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/reopen-boggo-road-gaol-jail-tours


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Happy Valentines Day everyone! In this very romantic episode we talk about sperm....whales as we get a listener email trying to help Eloise better understand Moby Dick. Will it work or will it just make her more frustrated?


And one of us has published a book! Who is it? You'll have to listen to find out. We are not above using clickbait.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook and now available on TikTok .

Buy our mystery authors new book here: https://amzn.asia/d/40DfywU


Sign the Reopen Boggo Road Gaol (Jail) petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/reopen-boggo-road-gaol-jail-tours


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 7 - Audiobooks Episode 7 - Audiobooks Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:03:07 GMT 1:09:41 5ea889c7-2f0f-4af7-9b5c-d7047e424316 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-7---Audiobooks-e2f5lkp 66235fde09a9320012e6c0d9 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full The long suffering Eloise gives us un update on her journey attempting to finish Moby Dick. We also discuss audiobooks and whether the rise of AI will lead to the end of the audiobook narrator.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The long suffering Eloise gives us un update on her journey attempting to finish Moby Dick. We also discuss audiobooks and whether the rise of AI will lead to the end of the audiobook narrator.


Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 6 - Madeline Te Whiu Episode 6 - Madeline Te Whiu Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:37:59 GMT 1:19:58 7d63c14b-342b-48d5-b9ae-863f4363a5b4 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-6---Madeline-Te-Whiu-e2e8cqv 66235fde09a9320012e6c0da 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full On our first episode of 2024 we are joined by Madeline Te Whiu, the up and coming Australian author of The Soul Thief trilogy.


Find Madeline and order her books on her website: https://www.madelinetewhiu.com/

or through New Dawn Publishing: https://newdawnpublishing.com.au/


Follow her on her social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok .

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On our first episode of 2024 we are joined by Madeline Te Whiu, the up and coming Australian author of The Soul Thief trilogy.


Find Madeline and order her books on her website: https://www.madelinetewhiu.com/

or through New Dawn Publishing: https://newdawnpublishing.com.au/


Follow her on her social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok .

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 5 - End of the Year Episode 5 - End of the Year Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:01:17 GMT 1:00:02 4caf92ca-1ab1-4df0-90bf-ffa5a9d2714d false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-5---End-of-the-Year-e2dpetv 66235fde09a9320012e6c0db 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full On the final episode of the year we discuss what books we did or did not enjoy in 2023 and look forward to 2024 and what it might hold.


Link to buy books discussed in the show, support independent authors :)

https://katemacwriting.com/for-readers

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On the final episode of the year we discuss what books we did or did not enjoy in 2023 and look forward to 2024 and what it might hold.


Link to buy books discussed in the show, support independent authors :)

https://katemacwriting.com/for-readers

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 4 - Surprise! Episode 4 - Surprise! Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:34:40 GMT 1:15:09 2adc1cb8-6155-4076-827f-9dc07290ad69 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-4---Surprise-e2d566g 66235fde09a9320012e6c0dc 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full On Episode 4 we discuss those books that surprised you, whether in a good way or bad. Join us as we relive our days being forced to read books for high school, discuss classics like To Kill and Mockingbird and the unnamable horrors of H. P. Lovecraft.


Further readings from today's discussion:

Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne

Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne

Poetry by Samuel Wagan Watson

Film:

Yolgnu Bo

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On Episode 4 we discuss those books that surprised you, whether in a good way or bad. Join us as we relive our days being forced to read books for high school, discuss classics like To Kill and Mockingbird and the unnamable horrors of H. P. Lovecraft.


Further readings from today's discussion:

Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne

Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne

Poetry by Samuel Wagan Watson

Film:

Yolgnu Bo

Comments, questions, feedback? Get in touch at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 3 - Fanfic Episode 3 - Fanfic Sat, 02 Dec 2023 11:07:34 GMT 1:07:20 89fb0bc7-2d9c-45d5-8ba6-61141030868f true https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-3---Fanfic-e2cn6a7 66235fde09a9320012e6c0dd 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full What do you do when you love a movie, tv show or book? You write your own stories about it of course. Today we delve into the world of fan fiction. The good, the bad and everything inbetween.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What do you do when you love a movie, tv show or book? You write your own stories about it of course. Today we delve into the world of fan fiction. The good, the bad and everything inbetween.


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 2 - Did Not Finish Episode 2 - Did Not Finish Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:24:23 GMT 1:08:26 97bd9fa6-327a-4bef-a601-652f75918db7 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-2---Did-Not-Finish-e2bp7fg 66235fde09a9320012e6c0de 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full Episode 2! We made it!


Today we talk about those books, that for one reason or another we just didn't finish.


Do we stay on topic? Absolutely not.


Feedback? Comments? Questions? Contact us at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 2! We made it!


Today we talk about those books, that for one reason or another we just didn't finish.


Do we stay on topic? Absolutely not.


Feedback? Comments? Questions? Contact us at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 1 - Endings Episode 1 - Endings Tue, 31 Oct 2023 08:16:47 GMT 1:06:50 a19bb867-27bf-415f-9bfe-f04fe0a78675 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/were-not-helpful/episodes/Episode-1---Endings-e2b9mj4 66235fde09a9320012e6c0df 66235fd56556260012b98b6f full 1 In our inaugural episode we discuss the endings that make or break a book, and one of us loses $100. Feedback? Comments? Questions? You can email us at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In our inaugural episode we discuss the endings that make or break a book, and one of us loses $100. Feedback? Comments? Questions? You can email us at nothelpfulpod@gmail.com


Buy Julian's book "Shadows Embrace" here: https://amzn.asia/d/5BiSEJu

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>