We're Not Helpful

We're Not Helpful Podcast•feeds.acast.com

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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Last refreshed: July 11th, 2025 at 4:41 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 15 - Writers...Write!

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....

May 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min

Episode 14 - Violeta M. Bagia

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 he...

May 07, 2024•59 min

The Helpful Parts: Thar She Blows!

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 ...

Apr 28, 2024•51 min

Episode 13 - "If it's on the list it must be good...!"

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 a...

Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min

Episode 12 - An Interview with Sarah Beth Goncarova

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,...

Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min

Episode 11 - "A Dark and Stormy Night..."

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.as...

Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min

Episode 10 - The "Right" Way to Write

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....

Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min

The Helpful Parts: The Flamegate Duology by Kate Mac

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, fe...

Mar 07, 2024•11 min

Episode 9 - Harry Potter and the Fellowship of the Ring

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....

Feb 27, 2024•52 min

Episode 8 - Squeeze your Sperm!

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...

Feb 13, 2024•55 min

Episode 7 - Audiobooks

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.

Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min

Episode 6 - Madeline Te Whiu

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/...

Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 20 min

Episode 5 - End of the Year

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....

Dec 29, 2023•1 hr

Episode 4 - Surprise!

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 bo...

Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 15 min

Episode 3 - Fanfic

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.

Dec 02, 2023•1 hr 7 min

Episode 2 - Did Not Finish

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.

Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 8 min

Episode 1 - Endings

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.

Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 1

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