Romy Ash talks about her writing practice, its emotional drivers, and how it flows like the merging of two creeks. We talk about ‘Australiana’, the cultural impact of Twisties, and how to write characters that feel archetypal, without them becoming caricatures.  

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Romy Ash

Romy Ash is the author of novels Mantle (2026) and Floundering (2012) and the childrens' book As Bright as a Rainbow (2024). Her first novel Floundering was shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Award, The Prime Minister's Literary Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize, amongst others. Her essays and journalism have been published in The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, Meanjin, The Griffith Review and others. She teaches creative writing at The University of Melbourne. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

Romy Ash talks about her writing practice, its emotional drivers, and how it flows like the merging of two creeks. We talk about &lsquo;Australiana&rsquo;, the cultural impact of Twisties, and how to write characters that feel archetypal, without them becoming caricatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Romy Ash
Romy&nbsp;Ash&nbsp;is the author of novels&nbsp;Mantle&nbsp;(2026) and&nbsp;Floundering&nbsp;(2012) and the&nbsp;childrens'&nbsp;book&nbsp;As Bright as a Rainbow&nbsp;(2024).&nbsp;Her first novel&nbsp;Floundering&nbsp;was shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Award, The Prime Minister's Literary&nbsp;Award&nbsp;and the Commonwealth Writers Prize, amongst others. Her essays and journalism have been published in The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, Meanjin, The Griffith&nbsp;Review&nbsp;and others.&nbsp;She teaches creative writing at The University of Melbourne.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 9: In conversation with Romy Ash

 A new life awaits at a petrol station. 

 

I bought him these dogs to show him how to love, by Romy Ash

Read by George McMillan.

Originally published in the Big Issue

 

Synopsis

The service station is a beautiful building from the 1950s, beautiful bones, as they say, with the potential to be anything. But what will it be for Aya and Charlie? A new opportunity, and a chance to build a life together, or the first step towards a future neither of them wants?  

I bought him these dogs to show him how to love presents a us with a vision of rural Australia we’ve all seen through the car window, and leaves us questioning whether it’s a hopeful future that awaits these characters, or one of despair.  

I bought him these dogs to show him how to love was originally published in The Big Issue: Fiction Edition.  

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Romy Ash

Romy Ash is the author of novels Mantle (2026) and Floundering (2012) and the childrens' book As Bright as a Rainbow (2024). Her first novel Floundering was shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Award, The Prime Minister's Literary Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize, amongst others. Her essays and journalism have been published in The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, Meanjin, The Griffith Review and others. She teaches creative writing at The University of Melbourne. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

&nbsp;A new life awaits at a petrol station.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I bought him these dogs to show him how to love, by Romy Ash
Read by George McMillan.
Originally published in the Big Issue
&nbsp;
Synopsis
The service station is a beautiful building from the 1950s,&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;bones, as they say, with the potential to be anything. But what will it be for Aya and Charlie? A new opportunity,&nbsp;and a chance to build a life together, or the first step towards a future neither of them wants?&nbsp;&nbsp;
I bought him these dogs to show him how to love&nbsp;presents a us with a vision of rural Australia&nbsp;we&rsquo;ve&nbsp;all seen through the car&nbsp;window,&nbsp;and&nbsp;leaves us questioning whether&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a hopeful future that awaits these characters, or one of despair.&nbsp;&nbsp;
I bought him these dogs to show him how to love&nbsp;was originally published in&nbsp;The Big Issue: Fiction Edition.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Romy Ash
Romy&nbsp;Ash&nbsp;is the author of novels&nbsp;Mantle&nbsp;(2026) and&nbsp;Floundering&nbsp;(2012) and the&nbsp;childrens'&nbsp;book&nbsp;As Bright as a Rainbow&nbsp;(2024).&nbsp;Her first novel&nbsp;Floundering&nbsp;was shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Award, The Prime Minister's Literary&nbsp;Award&nbsp;and the Commonwealth Writers Prize, amongst others. Her essays and journalism have been published in The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, Meanjin, The Griffith&nbsp;Review&nbsp;and others.&nbsp;She teaches creative writing at The University of Melbourne.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 9: I bought him these dogs to show him how to love, by Romy Ash

Melanie Cheng talks about how she sees a natural connection between writing, and her career as a doctor. We also go learn about the influences and traditions behind Australian Ghost Story, how we might break the mythology of exaclty what we consider ‘Australian’.  

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Melanie Cheng

Melanie Cheng is a writer and general practitioner based in Naarm, Melbourne. Her debut short story collection won the 2018 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction and her novel, Room for a Stranger, was longlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Award. Her latest novel, The Burrow, has been translated and published internationally in North America, Hungary and Spain. It was shortlisted for many Australian awards including the 2025 Stella Prize and has recently been nominated for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award. 

 

melaniechengwriter.com

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

Melanie Cheng talks about how she sees a natural connection between writing, and her career as a doctor. We also go learn about the influences and traditions behind&nbsp;Australian Ghost Story,&nbsp;how we might&nbsp;break the mythology of&nbsp;exaclty&nbsp;what we consider &lsquo;Australian&rsquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Melanie Cheng
Melanie&nbsp;Cheng is a writer and general practitioner based in&nbsp;Naarm, Melbourne. Her debut short story collection won the 2018 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for&nbsp;Fiction&nbsp;and her novel, Room for a Stranger, was longlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Award. Her latest novel, The Burrow, has been translated and published internationally in North America,&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;and Spain. It was shortlisted for many Australian awards including the 2025 Stella Prize and has recently been nominated for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://melaniechengwriter.com/">melaniechengwriter.com</a>
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 8: In conversation with Melanie Cheng

A grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway.

 

Australian Ghost Story by Melanie Cheng

Read by Sonya Chong.

 

Synopsis

Alice brings an unexpected guest back from her grandfather’s funeral, in an experience that makes her question the routine of her day-to-day life, what comes next, and the nature of grief.

Originally published in Kill Your Darlings.

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Melanie Cheng

Melanie Cheng is a writer and general practitioner based in Naarm, Melbourne. Her debut short story collection won the 2018 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction and her novel, Room for a Stranger, was longlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Award. Her latest novel, The Burrow, has been translated and published internationally in North America, Hungary and Spain. It was shortlisted for many Australian awards including the 2025 Stella Prize and has recently been nominated for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award. 

melaniechengwriter.com

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

A&nbsp;grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway.
&nbsp;
Australian Ghost Story by Melanie Cheng
Read by Sonya Chong.
&nbsp;
Synopsis
Alice brings an unexpected guest back from her grandfather&rsquo;s funeral, in an experience that makes her question the routine of her day-to-day life, what comes next, and the nature of grief.
Originally published in <a href="https://www.killyourdarlings.com.au/article/australian-ghost-story/">Kill Your Darlings.</a>
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Melanie Cheng
Melanie&nbsp;Cheng is a writer and general practitioner based in&nbsp;Naarm, Melbourne. Her debut short story collection won the 2018 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for&nbsp;Fiction&nbsp;and her novel, Room for a Stranger, was longlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Award. Her latest novel, The Burrow, has been translated and published internationally in North America,&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;and Spain. It was shortlisted for many Australian awards including the 2025 Stella Prize and has recently been nominated for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award.&nbsp;
<a href="https://melaniechengwriter.com/">melaniechengwriter.com</a>
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 8: Australian Ghost Story, by Melanie Cheng

Helena Pantsis takes Seth and Tony through her writing process, talks genre, the surreal moments we all have in childhood, and how first and foremost she views herself as a short story writer. 

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Helena Pantsis

Helena Pantsis (she/they) is an editor, writer and artist from Naarm, Australia with a fond appreciation for the weird, the dark, and the experimental.

She is the author of her debut short story collection, ‘GLUTT’.

Her poetry collection 'CAPTCHA' and short story collection 'Mother Salad' are both forthcoming in 2026.

More can be found at hlnpnts.com. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

Helena Pantsis takes <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative/unfolded">Seth and Tony</a> through her writing process, talks genre, the surreal moments we all have in childhood, and how first and foremost she views herself as a short story writer.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Helena Pantsis
<a href="https://hlnpnts.com/">Helena Pantsis</a> (she/they) is an editor, writer and artist from Naarm, Australia with a fond appreciation for the weird, the dark, and the experimental.
She is the author of her debut short story collection, &lsquo;<a href="https://ecommerce.unimelb.edu.au/glutt">GLUTT</a>&rsquo;.
Her poetry collection '<a href="https://puncherandwattmann.com/product/captcha/">CAPTCHA</a>' and short story collection 'Mother Salad' are both forthcoming in 2026.
More can be found at <a href="https://hlnpnts.com/">hlnpnts.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 7: In conversation with Helena Pantsis

A birthday is removed from the calendar. 

 

The Last Birthday by Helena Pantsis

Read by Ellen Pennell.

 

Synopsis

Lucy and Mother couldn’t be closer. She’s a perfect daughter, so when mother throw’s her a perfect 17th birthday party, she couldn’t be more grateful, but what comes next is a different kind of surprise.  

The Last Birthday blurs the fairytale genre with elements of horror and the surreal, in a story that will stay with listeners for many Birthdays to come.

 

The Last Birthday is part of Mother Salad, available now from UWP.  

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Helena Pantsis

Helena Pantsis (she/they) is an editor, writer and artist from Naarm, Australia with a fond appreciation for the weird, the dark, and the experimental.

She is the author of her debut short story collection, ‘GLUTT’.

Her poetry collection 'CAPTCHA' and short story collection 'Mother Salad' are both forthcoming in 2026.

More can be found at hlnpnts.com. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

A birthday is removed from the calendar.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Last Birthday&nbsp;by Helena Pantsis
Read by Ellen Pennell.
&nbsp;
Synopsis
Lucy and Mother&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be closer.&nbsp;She&rsquo;s&nbsp;a perfect daughter, so when mother&nbsp;throw&rsquo;s&nbsp;her a perfect 17th&nbsp;birthday party, she&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be more grateful,&nbsp;but what comes next is a different kind of surprise.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Last Birthday&nbsp;blurs the fairytale genre with elements of horror and the surreal, in a story that will stay with listeners for many Birthdays to come.
&nbsp;
The Last Birthday&nbsp;is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/collections/coming-soon/products/mother-salad">Mother Salad</a>, <a href="https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/collections/coming-soon/products/mother-salad">available now from UWP</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Helena Pantsis
<a href="https://hlnpnts.com/">Helena Pantsis</a> (she/they) is an editor, writer and artist from Naarm, Australia with a fond appreciation for the weird, the dark, and the experimental.
She is the author of her debut short story collection, &lsquo;<a href="https://ecommerce.unimelb.edu.au/glutt">GLUTT</a>&rsquo;.
Her poetry collection '<a href="https://puncherandwattmann.com/product/captcha/">CAPTCHA</a>' and short story collection 'Mother Salad' are both forthcoming in 2026.
More can be found at <a href="https://hlnpnts.com/">hlnpnts.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the <a href="https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/public-humanities-initiative">Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative</a>, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 7: The Last Birthday, by Helena Pantsis

In the final episode of Unfolded for this season, Claire G. Coleman takes us into the workings of her story, Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel.

We talk about how she finds inspiration in all kinds of mediums (especially music), how writing speculative fiction allows her to speak about the real world, and the importance of Ancient Knowledges and stories being told, without being exploited. 

 

About Claire G. Coleman 

Claire G. Coleman is a Wirlomin Noongar woman whose Country is on the south coast of Western Australia. She writes prose, non-fiction, verse and criticism and has written 4 books including Terra Nullius and Lies, Damned Lies.

She is a founding collaborator on the Creative Climate consortium with her collective the Centre for Reworlding.

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

In the final episode of Unfolded for this season, Claire G. Coleman takes us into the workings of her story, Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel.
We talk about how she finds inspiration in all kinds of mediums (especially music), how writing speculative fiction allows her to speak about the real world, and the importance of Ancient Knowledges and stories being told, without being exploited.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Claire G. Coleman&nbsp;
Claire G. Coleman is a Wirlomin Noongar woman whose Country is on the south coast of Western Australia. She writes prose, non-fiction, verse and criticism and has written 4 books including Terra Nullius and Lies, Damned Lies.
She is a founding collaborator on the Creative Climate consortium with her collective the Centre for Reworlding.
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 6: In conversation with Claire G. Coleman

A navigator reckons with the gift, and burden, of ancient knowledge.  

 

Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel by Claire G. Coleman

Read by Chelsea Hawke.

 

Down in the belly of the ship, a crewmate waits for the test that will determine her role, and how she will pay her way on this ride across the stars.

But it's in her dreams and the memories that can't possibly be hers that destiny awaits. A destiny shaped by blood. 


Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel, considers how there are some knowledges as old as time, ways of being, and knowing that will survive long into the future, perhaps even once we have left this world. 

 

About Claire G. Coleman 

Claire G. Coleman is a Wirlomin Noongar woman whose Country is on the south coast of Western Australia. She writes prose, non-fiction, verse and criticism and has written 4 books including Terra Nullius and Lies, Damned Lies. '

She is a founding collaborator on the Creative Climate consortium with her collective the Centre for Reworlding.

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

A navigator reckons with the gift, and burden, of ancient knowledge. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel&nbsp;by Claire G. Coleman
Read by Chelsea Hawke.
&nbsp;
Down in the belly of the ship, a crewmate waits for the test that will determine her role, and how she will pay her way on this ride across the stars.
But it's in her dreams and the memories that can't possibly be hers that destiny awaits. A destiny shaped by blood.&nbsp;
 Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel,&nbsp;considers how there are some knowledges as old as time, ways of being, and knowing that will survive long into the future, perhaps even once we have left this world.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Claire G. Coleman&nbsp;
Claire G. Coleman is a Wirlomin Noongar woman whose Country is on the south coast of Western Australia. She writes prose, non-fiction, verse and criticism and has written 4 books including Terra Nullius and Lies, Damned Lies. '
She is a founding collaborator on the Creative Climate consortium with her collective the Centre for Reworlding.
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 6: Ancestral Memory / As Slippery as an Eel, by Claire G. Coleman

We get the dirt on how 'Farrow' came to be with Miriam Webster, and talk about our love of 'sparkly' language despite (or perhaps because of) it's limitations, writing for all the senses, and how Miriam was always going to be a writer, despite her best efforts. 

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Miriam Webster 

Miriam Webster's fiction and essays have been published in Aniko Magazine, HEAT, Island, Overland, The Suburban Review, swim meet lit mag and certain zines.

She was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow and won the Peter Steele Poetry Award in 2025.

Her first book, The Slip, is out now. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

We get the dirt on how 'Farrow' came to be with Miriam Webster, and talk about our love of 'sparkly' language despite (or perhaps because of) it's limitations, writing for all the senses, and how Miriam was always going to be a writer, despite her best efforts.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Miriam Webster&nbsp;
Miriam Webster's fiction and essays have been published in&nbsp;Aniko Magazine, HEAT, Island, Overland, The Suburban Review, swim meet lit mag and certain zines.
She was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow and won the Peter Steele Poetry Award in 2025.
Her first book, The Slip, is out now. 
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 5: In conversation with Miriam Webster

A gardener seeks solace in the earth. 

 

Farrow by Miriam Webster

Read by Molly Holohan

 

Synopsis

On the day of his Grandmother's death, a gardener digs back through the fertile ground of his memory, seeking something down in the roots of his family tree.

He finds comfort amongst fecund, and a connection to the earth few of us will ever understand.

Farrow delivers a sensory experience that goes beyond the page or the headphones, and leaves listeners tingling. 

 

Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded comes with a language and content warning. 

 

About Miriam Webster 

Miriam Webster's fiction and essays have been published in Aniko Magazine, HEAT, Island, Overland, The Suburban Review, swim meet lit mag and certain zines. She was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow and won the Peter Steele Poetry Award in 2025.

Her first book, The Slip, is out now. 

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

A gardener seeks solace in the earth. 
&nbsp;
Farrow by Miriam Webster
Read by Molly Holohan
&nbsp;
Synopsis
On the day of his Grandmother's death, a gardener digs back through the fertile ground of his memory, seeking something down in the roots of his family tree.
He finds comfort amongst fecund, and a connection to the earth few of us will ever understand.
Farrow&nbsp;delivers a sensory experience that goes beyond the page or the headphones, and leaves listeners tingling.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Miriam Webster&nbsp;
Miriam Webster's fiction and essays have been published in&nbsp;Aniko Magazine, HEAT, Island, Overland, The Suburban Review, swim meet lit mag and certain zines. She was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow and won the Peter Steele Poetry Award in 2025.
Her first book, The Slip, is out now. 
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;

Chapter 5: Farrow, by Miriam Webster

Seasons change. An actor prepares. A birthday is removed from the calendar.  A hypnotist causes chaos on a cruise ship. A new life awaits at a petrol station. A grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway. A dog makes yakisoba. The sun rises in the west. 

We’ve all read stories that changed our lives. We’ve all imagined places that feel like home. We’ve all met characters who feel like family. 

Now, we’ll hear the stories, then go to the source. We’ll speak with the authors, to find out what makes a story great, where they come from, and why they connect. 

These are stories: Unpacked. Understood. Unfolded. 

Join us for season 2 of Unfolded as Seth Robinson and Tony Birch speak with authors Melanie Cheng, Bri Lee, Dominic Amerena, Briohny Doyle, Helena Pantsis, Jumaana Abdu, Scott Limbrick and Romy Ash, or travel back through the archive to hear the incredible stories from season 1.

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their history, which go back tens of thousands of years. 

Hosts: Seth Robinson and Tony Birch

Creator and Executive Producer: Seth Robinson

Recording: Gavin Nebauer, Horwood Recording Studio, University of Melbourne

Editing and Sound Design: Nick King and Courtney Carthy, Nearly Media

Artwork: Marty O'Meara

Seasons change.&nbsp;An actor prepares.&nbsp;A birthday is removed from the calendar.&nbsp;&nbsp;A hypnotist causes chaos&nbsp;on a cruise ship.&nbsp;A new life&nbsp;awaits at a petrol station.&nbsp;A&nbsp;grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway.&nbsp;A dog makes yakisoba.&nbsp;The sun rises in the west.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ve&nbsp;all read stories that changed our lives.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ve&nbsp;all imagined places that feel like home.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ve&nbsp;all met characters who feel like family.&nbsp;
Now,&nbsp;we&rsquo;ll&nbsp;hear the stories, then go to the&nbsp;source.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;speak with the authors, to find out what makes a story great, where they come from, and why they connect.&nbsp;
These are stories: Unpacked. Understood.&nbsp;Unfolded.&nbsp;
Join us for season 2 of Unfolded as <a href="https://sethrobinson.com.au/">Seth Robinson</a> and <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/13630-tony-birch">Tony Birch</a> speak with authors Melanie Cheng, Bri Lee, Dominic Amerena, Briohny Doyle, Helena Pantsis, Jumaana Abdu, Scott Limbrick and Romy Ash, or travel back through the archive to hear the incredible stories from season 1.
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their history, which go back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;
Hosts: Seth Robinson and Tony Birch
Creator and Executive Producer:&nbsp;Seth Robinson
Recording:&nbsp;Gavin Nebauer, Horwood Recording Studio, University of Melbourne
Editing and Sound Design:&nbsp;Nick King and Courtney Carthy, Nearly Media
Artwork:&nbsp;Marty O'Meara

Unfolded

Seasons change. An actor prepares. A birthday is removed from the calendar. A hypnotist causes chaos on a cruise ship. A new life awaits at a petrol station. A grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway. A dog makes yakisoba. The sun rises in the west. 

We’ve all read stories that changed our lives. We’ve all imagined places that feel like home. We’ve all met characters who feel like family.

Now, we’ll hear the stories, then go to the source. We’ll speak with the authors, to find out what makes a story great, where they come from, and why they connect.

These are stories: Unpacked. Understood. Unfolded.

Join us for season 1 of Unfolded as Seth Robinson and Tony Birch speak with authors Melanie Cheng, Bri Lee, Dominic Amerena, Briohny Doyle, Helena Pantsis, Jumaana Abdu, Scott Limbrick and Romy Ash.  

 

Unfolded is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years. 

 

Hosts: Seth Robinson and Tony Birch

Creator and Producer: Seth Robinson

Recording: Gavin Nebauer, Horwood Recording Studio, University of Melbourne

Editing and Sound Design: Nick King and Courtney Carthy, Nearly Media

Artwork: Marty O'Meara 

 

Seasons change. An actor prepares. A birthday is removed from the calendar. A hypnotist causes chaos on a cruise ship. A new life awaits at a petrol station. A grieving granddaughter finds a surprising stowaway. A dog makes yakisoba. The sun rises in the west.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ve all read stories that changed our lives. We&rsquo;ve all imagined places that feel like home. We&rsquo;ve all met characters who feel like family.
Now, we&rsquo;ll hear the stories, then go to the source. We&rsquo;ll speak with the authors, to find out what makes a story great, where they come from, and why they connect.
These are stories: Unpacked. Understood. Unfolded.
Join us for season 1 of Unfolded as <a href="https://sethrobinson.com.au/">Seth Robinson</a> and <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/13630-tony-birch">Tony Birch</a> speak with authors Melanie Cheng, Bri Lee, Dominic Amerena, Briohny Doyle, Helena Pantsis, Jumaana Abdu, Scott Limbrick and Romy Ash. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Unfolded&nbsp;is produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The producers would like to pay their respects to the traditional owners, to their Elders past and present, and to acknowledge their storytelling history, which goes back tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Hosts: Seth Robinson and Tony Birch
Creator and Producer: Seth Robinson
Recording:&nbsp;Gavin Nebauer, Horwood Recording Studio, University of Melbourne
Editing and Sound Design:&nbsp;Nick King and Courtney Carthy, Nearly Media
Artwork: Marty O'Meara&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Unfolded

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