Best Toby Morrell Podcasts (2025)

1
Awards, Substack, Storytelling and a Hybrid Career With Julia Lawrinson 29:11

3d ago29:11

29:11

Julia Lawrinson has published more than fifteen books for children and young people, from a picture book to books for older teenagers, and in 2024 published a memoir called How to Avoid a Happy Life. Her books have been recognised in the Children’s Book Council Awards, the WA Premier’s Book Awards and the Queensland Literary Awards, and she has pre…

1
Self-Publishing Burnout, How to Stay in the Game Without Losing Your Spark With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 17:23

8d ago17:23

17:23

Burnout. It’s the word no self-published author wants to say out loud, but almost every one of us has felt it. Maybe you’ve been there: staring at your manuscript, feeling resentful instead of inspired. Or pushing out content on social media, but dreading every post. Or just wondering if this author dream is worth the grind. In episode 191 of The H…

1
'There Is Always Love' Writing Through Adversity and Building Purpose-Driven Work with Vanessa Maiorano 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

Vanessa Maiorano is a passionate children’s author, a mum of two, and a fierce advocate for families navigating hard times. After her own experience facing cancer as a young mother, she was inspired to create gentle, supportive books that help children understand the big feelings that come with life’s challenges. Her mission is simple: to remind ch…

1
Writing Kids Books Inspired by The Natural World With Kasey Whitelaw 31:15

1M ago31:15

31:15

Kasey is a marine biologist, educator and children’s author with a passion for connecting children to science and nature through storytelling and education. Growing up on the coast of Victoria, Kasey spent her days beachcombing, surfing and exploring the rocky shores. As a child (and still as an adult), she was fascinated by the rock pools teeming …

1
'When Only Today Matters' Writing Truth, Emotion and Short Fiction with Johan du Toit 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

Johan du Toit grew up in a remote community eight hours drive from Cape Town in South Africa. He immigrated to Australia with his family in 1994. Through membership of a writers’ group Johan found an opportunity to write short fiction. His two collections, ‘Meandering Road’ and ‘When Only Today Matters’ have been published in collaboration with Bro…

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Young Adult Contemporary Fiction: ‘The Lies We Tell Ourselves’ With Maura Pierlot 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

Maura Pierlot is the author of seven titles for children and young adults and the creator of the award-winning web series on youth mental health, Fragments. Maura holds a PhD in philosophy, specialising in ethics, and is a qualified art therapist and founder of The Book Bench Project. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Maura divides her ti…

1
How to Get Your Indie or Hybrid Book into Bookstores With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

Episode 186, a lonersode with your host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors, chats on: understanding bookstore priorities consignment vs wholesale creating a bookstore-ready sell sheet follow-up etiquette and building relationships why local connection matters and much more…

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Fiction With Purpose, Apartheid, Resilience and Writing for Change With Toby Hammerschlag 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

Toby Hammerschlag grew up in South Africa, immigrating to Australia with her husband and two daughters in 1986. She was a Special Education teacher for many years, specialising in literacy. While teaching, she would write passages and stories for her students when she couldn’t find an appropriate text for them. After retiring from teaching, she did…

1
Behind the Book: Why I Wrote The Writer, The Hairdresser and The Nurse With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

In the 184th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors, takes you behind the scenes of her latest women’s fiction novel, 'The Writer, The Hairdresser and The Nurse' published under her pen name Zara Ellen. This book is incredibly close to Joa…

1
'Flight', Exploring Passion and Secrets in Wartime Melbourne With Anne Vines 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

Anne Vines is a Melbourne-based fiction writer. Her novel, The Ship Wife was published in 2023. Her short stories have won a slew of awards including the Boroondara Award in 2014 and the Keith Carroll Award in 2020. She was also commended in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript in 2008, and in the Varuna HarperCollin…

1
Rescue Ready, Writing, Training and Preparing Emergency Teams with Jesse McNeilly 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

Jesse McNeilly is the Founder of Rescue Connect and also mentors Industrial Emergency Response departments. Having trained over 20,000 students with his work globally, Jesse is passionate about sharing knowledge so rescue teams can be safer, more capable and better prepared. Jesse holds a Medical Science Masters Degree in Disaster and Emergency Res…

1
Memoir, Meditation and Overcoming Adversity with Sarah Susak 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

Sarah Susak is a full-time working mum. A commercial lawyer with over two decades of experience, Sarah has led the legal function of some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Coca-Cola and Colgate-Palmolive across the South Pacific and Europe. She is also a lifetime supporter of the Wayside Chapel for the homeless in Sydney. In 2017, shortl…

1
Writing Spooky Stories for Junior Fiction Readers With Jeanette Stampone 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

Jeanette Stampone was born in a spooky three-hundred-year-old house in the English countryside. She grew up with stories of local legends, pixies, ghosts, and fairies. These childhood experiences inspire Jeanette to write fun, imaginative and quirky stories. A country girl at heart, Jeanette now lives in regional Western Australia with her husband …

1
Science Fantasy, Kickstarter and 'Son of Osivirius': Bringing Big Stories to Life with Cathryn deVries 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

Cathryn deVries is an award-winning fantasy and sci-fi author who explores themes of restorative justice, empowerment, connection with earth and spirit and finding the true self in her work—all wrapped up in an epic package of immersive world-building and sweet romance. A former Air Force engineer and recovering perfectionist, she now home-schools …

1
Hybrid Writing Craft: Blending Genres, Forms and Creative Opportunities With Joanne Morrell 21:49

3M ago21:49

21:49

In episode 178 of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell explores the art of hybrid writing craft—blending genres, forms and creative disciplines to elevate your storytelling and expand your publishing opportunities. Discover how combining fiction with nonfiction, prose with poetry, or novels with screenplays can unlock new creati…

1
Resurrecting the Past: Writing Gothic Fiction for Modern Readers With Dmetri Kakmi 52:07

3M ago52:07

52:07

Dmetri Kakmi was born to Greek parents in Turkey. He is the author of The Dictionary of a Gadfly (under the pseudonym of The Sozzled Scribbler), The Door and Other Uncanny Tales, Mother Land and When We Were Young (as editor). Mother Land was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards in 2008, and is published in England and Turk…

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Finding Your Voice: Blending Culture, Community and Heart in Contemporary Fiction With Alejandra Martinez 27:11

3M ago27:11

27:11

Alejandra Martinez is an Australian-Uruguayan writer based in the Blue Mountains of NSW. She migrated to Australia at the age of seven with her family, as a military dictatorship was about to take over the country. Her stories have been published in a range of anthologies and magazines, including Best Australian Stories (BlackInc.), Girls Talk and …

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Bringing Epic Poetry Back and 'The Amazons’ With Peter Gunn 32:06

3M ago32:06

32:06

Peter Gunn is a U.S. Air Force vet, avid bodybuilder, coffee connoisseur and poet who strives to bring epic poetry back from the past. Peter reinvents this narrative style in his masterpiece The Amazons. In the 175th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fic…

1
2025 Mid-year Mashup with Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 26:03

3M ago26:03

26:03

Can you believe we are mid-way through 2025! Where does the time go. But as always, we'll celebrate with a mashup of the fabulous guests we've had on The HYBRID Author Podcast since January! Episode 151 Overcoming the Shadows: John Walker Pattison on Triumph, Vulnerability and Inspiring Through Memoir Episode 152 Million-copy Bestselling Author Jac…

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How to Elevate Your Life and Business to a Higher Level with Rich Kozak 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

Rich Kozak is The Voice of Impact Driven Branding. After decades languaging and launching brands, he founded RichBrands specifically to serve heart-centered entrepreneurs and professionals. At RichBrands, Rich guides individuals in elevating their unique gifts so their Brand makes higher level impacts, and in creating, writing and publishing books …

1
Retirement Money Secrets with Steven Selengut 43:01

3M ago43:01

43:01

Steve Selengut is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of ‘Retirement Money Secrets’ (2023). He is an income independence coach with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. As a retired private investment portfolio manager, Steve managed over 300 different portfolios at a time before selling his business in 2023 with over $110 million un…

1
Embarking on Adventures: Yarn Quest and the Magic of Children's Fantasy with Brooke Scobie 35:54

3M ago35:54

35:54

Brooke Scobie is a queer, auDHD, First Nations mum, author and poet that lives on Darkinyung land. Ever since she was very little, Brooke has loved books and stories. Which, of course, makes sense since they grew up with a mum whose favourite thing was her overflowing bookcase and reading before bed. Brooke is most passionate about creating stories…

1
HYBRID Social Media Strategies With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 22:17

4M ago22:17

22:17

We've hit 170 episodes of The HYBRID Author Podcast, and to celebrate, join host and author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell chatting HYBRID social media strategies via: content stratregy (organic growth) paid promotion (boosting reach) community and collaboration email and off-plat…

1
Writing Good Mystery Books for Kids and Outback Noir with Rosie Schnoell 32:55

4M ago32:55

32:55

Rosie Schonell is the author of her debut novel: Middle Grade Mystery, ‘Breaking School Rules is Easy … The hardest part is not getting caught.’ She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Special Education and has taught English at all levels in schools and specialised in teaching students with learning difficulties. Rosie also volunteers at school…

1
4 Years of The HYBRID Author Podcast and Turning 40! With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 29:44

4M ago29:44

29:44

The HYBRID Author podcast is 4! And your host turns 40 today! Join Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell for Episode 168 chatting all things hybrid, including why the podcast started and how it's changed over the years, lessons learned, personal and professional growth, what the next 4 years of the podcast looks like, tuning 40, fears hopes, dreams and much mo…

1
Joanne Merrick on ‘empowering readers to make informed decisions’ 34:46

4M ago34:46

34:46

Joanne Merrick offers over 25 years of global experience in helping individuals and organisations thrive. She has delivered transformative leadership programs across five continents and 22 countries, combining her expertise in neuroscience with a passion for building management and leadership capabilities. As founder of The Leadership Recipe, LLC, …

1
Tackling Tough Topics: Christopher Cheng on Addressing Big Themes in Children's Literature with Sensitivity 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

Christopher Cheng dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and writes fiction and non-fiction for children full time. He taught in city and outback schools for a number of years and at Taronga Zoo. He is Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has a Master of Arts in Childre…

1
Sandi Parsons on ‘Self-Publishing Children’s Fiction Overseas’ 34:17

4M ago34:17

34:17

Sandi Parsons lives and breathes stories, as a reader, writer and storyteller. Sandi's creative nonfiction has been published in MiNDFOOD, Frankie, Chicken Soup and the Growing Up Disabled in Australia anthology. She currently lives in Western Australia with her favourite husband, some problem puppies and many teetering stacks of books. In the 165t…

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Reigning in Regency: DG Rampton on Crafting Timeless Romance and Thriving as a Hybrid Author 31:12

4M ago31:12

31:12

Bestselling author DG Rampton loves to create feelgood romantic comedy, featuring intelligent heroines, dashing men and sparkling banter. An engineer by training but a romantic by nature, she left her corporate career to follow the call of her artistic inclinations and write stories that bring joy and laughter into people's lives. DG Rampton lives …

1
The Power of Podcasts to Connect People Through Compelling Storytelling and Meaningful Conversations With Devin Blair 23:50

4M ago23:50

23:50

Devin Blair is a graduate in Chemical Engineering Technology and a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. After a few life-changing experiences, he made the leap into the entertainment world. The journey wasn’t linear, but through trial and error, he found his way into podcasting—and that’s how Chemical Rocketeers was born.…

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Deborah Pike on ‘What to do after your first novel is published’ 30:24

5M ago30:24

30:24

Deborah Pike is a writer and academic based in Sydney. She grew up in Northam and Perth, Western Australia. She has an Honours degree in English from the University of Western Australia, and a PhD from the University of Sydney. She is an associate professor of English Literature at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, and is a winner of an Austral…

1
Stephen Whiteside on Writing Narrative Non-fiction Australian History ‘Snow, Fire and Gold’ 55:17

5M ago55:17

55:17

Stephen Whiteside has been walking and skiing through the Australian mountains for most of his life. He has also been writing for many years - mostly rhyming verse, but also short stories, and articles about Australia's history and natural environment. Many of his poems have been published in magazines or anthologies, both in Australia and overseas…

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How Poetry Serves as a Form of Healing and Self-discovery with Jessie Vong 27:45

5M ago27:45

27:45

Jessie Vong is an emerging artist and poet, currently pursuing Art Therapy studies at the College of Complementary Medicine in NSW, Australia, a journey she began in October 2024. With a passion for creativity and mental health advocacy, Jessie's work bridges the worlds of art and healing, inspired by her deep belief that art is 'food for the soul'…

1
Shane Simonsen on Self-Publishing Books vs. Blogging on Substack 47:06

5M ago47:06

47:06

Shane is a biochemist turned teacher turned experimental farmer who decided to add author to the list. He writes weekly non-fiction essays about his passion for transformative agriculture on Substack (at Zero Input Agriculture) and released a short non-fiction book, “Taming the Apocalypse” on the enormous potential for novel domestications. Under t…

1
Uncovering Truths in Young Adult Fiction: Karen Cunningham on Writing and Self-Publishing 'Missing Sarah Harris' 35:13

5M ago35:13

35:13

Karen Cunningham is a graphic designer by day, and a closet writer at all other times. An overthinker from way back, she always has a story in her head and is known to become quite panicky when she doesn’t have at least a small stack of books waiting to be read. Karen is the author and illustrator of Jenny Spaghetti (writing as KarenMargaret), a 20…

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Suzi Samuel Revising a Bestseller and 'The Dark at the Threshold' 36:17

6M ago36:17

36:17

Suzi Samuel is the author of The Unintentional Medium and the soon to be published An Unintentional Journey. The Dark at The Threshold is her first foray into fiction and draws largely on her knowledge of France and her own personal experience of the spirit world. Born in England, Suzi spent a large part of her life in Wimbledon where she worked as…

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A.M Jaxon on Balancing Romance and Suspense and The Love Connection Series: Saoirse's Story 23:23

6M ago23:23

23:23

A.M. Jaxon is a romantic suspense writer who grew from tropical Queensland small town wild child to become a pharmacist in Brisbane before attaining a PhD in Business from the University of Western Australia. Her passion for women’s hockey led her to coaching internationally in Barcelona, Rotterdam and the UK, and also on Australia’s Gold Coast and…

1
Living with Split: Maggie Walters on the Journey of Multiple Personality Disorder and the Power of Storytelling 35:43

6M ago35:43

35:43

Maggie Walters lives in the Northern Rivers of NSW, where she spends her days developing her writing skills and raising three teenagers. After meeting her husband, she immigrated to Australia from the US, and spent the bulk of her career in various marketing roles before returning to her long-held love of the written word. Expression through words …

1
Dana Da Silva on Writing Erotica 33:52

6M ago33:52

33:52

Dana Da Silva is a single mum of two based in Sydney, Australia. Having completed her journalism degree in 2011, she’s spent the past decade working in PR across both the public and private sectors. These days, Dana’s a part-time media adviser, and, on her days off from the corporate world, an aspiring indie author with big dreams. Creative writing…

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Relentless Pursuit: Junior Bernard on Overcoming Adversity and Turning Survival into Inspiration 27:48

6M ago27:48

27:48

Junior was born and raised in Haiti and moved to the United States in 2010 following the devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of over 100,000 people. He earned his degree from Alvernia University in December 2014 on a full scholarship. His commitment to making a difference has earned him the prestigious Alvernia University’s Four Under For…

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Million-copy Bestselling Author Jacqueline Harvey on Creating a Thriving Career in Children's Fiction and Navigating a Changing Publishing Landscape 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

Jacqueline Harvey worked in schools for many years but has had a passion for storytelling since she was a child. She is the author of the popular 'Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose, Kensy and Max and Willa and Woof' series, which have sold almost two million copies in Australia alone. Jacqueline has also released picture books such as 'That Cat, Glori…

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Overcoming the Shadows: John Walker Pattison on Triumph, Vulnerability and Inspiring Through Memoir 38:14

8M ago38:14

38:14

John Walker Pattison, a cancer survivor and award-winning author, calls himself a dreamer. After a tumultuous early life, he defied doctors' expectations by surviving cancer and later pursued a successful nursing career. His memoir, Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor, has won multiple awards. Despite facing new health battles, John con…

1
Lessons Learned in 2024 and How to Thrive in 2025 With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 32:22

8M ago32:22

32:22

It's the first episode of a brand new year, and we've hit 150! To celebrate, host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non fiction for authors, shares her trials and triumphs from lessons learned in 2024, her personal journey and how to thrive in 2025. https://faculty.vt.edu/faculty-development/mentori…

1
Government-Surveillance Technology a Reality in Science Fiction Trilogy With Michael C. Bland 30:46

8M ago30:46

30:46

Michael C. Bland is an accomplished author and editor and Secretary and founding member of Bookpod, an invitation-only, online support group of award-winning writers, filmmakers, journalists, and bestselling authors. Michael has received numerous awards for the first two books of his futuristic trilogy, The Price of Safety (an Amazon Top 10 bestsel…

1
Merry Christmas Mashup of All Guests Since July 2024 18:13

8M ago18:13

18:13

Merry Christmas! And to celebrate episode 148, here's a mashup of 2024 guests of The HYBRID Author Podcast since July, including: EPISODE 133 - Generative AI for Authors With Fiction Author Amina Al Sherif EPISODE 135 - The Importance of Finding a Writing Community With Children’s Author Laura Holloway EPISODE 137 - Children’s Author and Illustrato…

1
Creative Storytelling as an Experience With Lee Lehner 38:29

9M ago38:29

38:29

Lee Lehner is the author of fantasy series Anithia. Lee’s storytelling draws attention to estoric worlds, female mythology, her love of the plant kingdom, finished off with a sprinkle of magic. Today Lee is a well regarded self-published author in the writing and publishing community. Episode 147 of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen …

1
Ari Rosenschien on 'Reusing Skills From a Music Career in Publishing and Republishing a Book From Traditional to Self-Published' 42:58

10M ago42:58

42:58

Ari Rosenschien is a Seattle-based author. Books and records were a source of childhood solace, leading Ari to a teaching career and decades of writing, recording, and performing music. Along the way, he earned a Grammy shortlist spot, landed film and TV placements, and co-wrote the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Song of the Year. Ari holds a…

1
Spooky Stories, Publishing Paths and Crafting Middle-Grade Thrills as a Hybrid Author With Fionna Cosgrove 35:12

10M ago35:12

35:12

Born and bred in Perth, Western Australia, Fionna was raised on a far too paranormal diet of X-files, Are you Afraid of the Dark, Fact or Fiction and a plethora of other completely age-inappropriate TV shows. This has led to not only a peculiar open mind, but also a taste for the delightfully mysterious and macarb. After studying marine science and…

1
Crossing Oceans: Layla Moon on Book Signings in America and Connecting with Dark Romance Readers 39:06

10M ago39:06

39:06

TRIGGER WARNING: EPISODE CONTAINS SOME BAD LANGUAGE AND TALK ON TABOO SUBJECTS SUCH AS SEX, INCEST and MURDER. Layla Moon is an International Bestselling Indie Author. She resides in the Swan Valley, Western Australia with her morally grey husband and children. Layla's writing style is nothing short of dark and naughty. Where the darkness is always…

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Mystery Author Andrea Barton on Plot Development: Plot Twists, Suspense and Tension for a More Spontaneous Writing Style 34:53

11M ago34:53

34:53

Andrea Barton is the author of 'The Godfather of Dance, A Jade Riley Mystery'. She also runs Brightside Story Studio, a book editing business for fiction and memoir, where she loves helping authors to make their stories shine. In the 143rd episode of The HYBRID Author podcast host Joanne (Zara Ellen) Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's …

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