Dominic Amerena joins Seth and Tony from Athens to discuss writing place with an outsider's perspective, the nature of having a great conceit within a story, and how writing short fiction compares to longer works, such as his award winning debut novel, I Want Everything.  

 

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

 

About Dominic Amerena

I Want Everything is Dominic Amerena's first novel. It has been published in four territories and recently won the Readings Prize the MUD Literary Award. 

dominicamerena.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. 

Dominic Amerena joins Seth and Tony from Athens to discuss writing place with an outsider's perspective, the nature of having a great conceit within a story, and how writing short fiction compares to longer works, such as his award winning debut novel, I Want Everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Dominic Amerena
I Want Everything&nbsp;is Dominic&nbsp;Amerena's&nbsp;first novel. It has been published in four territories and recently won the Readings&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;the MUD Literary Award.&nbsp;
<a href="https://dominicamerena.com/">dominicamerena.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 13: In conversation with Dominic Amerena

A dog makes yakisoba.

 

A Dog's LIfe by Dominic Amerena

Read by Nathan Wright

 

Synopsis

Porcini has an enviable lifestyle in Tokyo, 7.7 million Instagram followers, and a film deal with Adam Driver. His owner has ... a lot less going on.  

A Dog’s Life takes a good long sniff at social media and celebrity culture, and what it’s like to exist on the fringes of that kind of life.  

Originally published in Kill Your Darlings New Australian Fiction.

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

 

About Dominic Amerena

I Want Everything is Dominic Amerena's first novel. It has been published in four territories and recently won the Readings Prize the MUD Literary Award. 

dominicamerena.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 dog makes yakisoba.
&nbsp;
A Dog's LIfe by Dominic Amerena
Read by Nathan Wright
&nbsp;
Synopsis
Porcini has an enviable lifestyle in Tokyo, 7.7 million Instagram followers, and a film deal with Adam Driver. His owner has ... a lot less going on.&nbsp;&nbsp;
A Dog&rsquo;s Life&nbsp;takes a good long sniff at social media and celebrity culture, and what it&rsquo;s like to exist on the fringes of that kind of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Originally published in <a href="https://www.killyourdarlings.com.au/article/a-dogs-life/">Kill Your Darlings New Australian Fiction</a>.
Listeners are advised that this episode of Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Dominic Amerena
I Want Everything&nbsp;is Dominic&nbsp;Amerena's&nbsp;first novel. It has been published in four territories and recently won the Readings&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;the MUD Literary Award.&nbsp;
<a href="https://dominicamerena.com/">dominicamerena.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 13: A Dog's Life, by Dominic Amerena

Scott Limbrick has done it all. He’s an accomplished screen and fiction writer, comedian, marketer, and now he’s completing his PhD. It’s a portfolio career that has clearly influenced his work. Now, he takes Seth and Tony inside the process, literary influences, and what it’s like working across such varied media.  

 

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

 

About Scott Limbrick

Scott Limbrick is a writer and PhD candidate at the University of Sydney. His short stories have appeared in Electric Literature, Griffith Review, Going Down Swinging, The Big Issue, Kill Your Darlings’ New Australian Fiction and elsewhere. He has previously been the recipient of the Frank Moorhouse Fellowship and the Felix Meyer Scholarship, won the Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition and been shortlisted for the Richell Prize. He currently has multiple screenplays in development with funding from VicScreen and Screen Australia. 

scottlimbrick.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. 

Scott Limbrick has done it all.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;an accomplished screen and fiction writer, comedian, marketer, and now&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;completing his PhD.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;a portfolio career that has clearly influenced his work. Now, he takes Seth and Tony inside the process, literary influences, and what&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;like working across such varied media.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Scott Limbrick
Scott&nbsp;Limbrick&nbsp;is a writer and PhD candidate at the University of Sydney. His short stories have appeared in&nbsp;Electric Literature,&nbsp;Griffith Review, Going Down Swinging, The Big Issue, Kill Your Darlings&rsquo; New Australian Fiction&nbsp;and elsewhere. He has previously been the recipient of the Frank Moorhouse Fellowship and the Felix Meyer Scholarship, won the Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition and been shortlisted for the Richell Prize. He currently has multiple screenplays in development with funding from&nbsp;VicScreen&nbsp;and Screen Australia.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.scottlimbrick.com/">scottlimbrick.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 12: In conversation with Scott Limbrick

An actor prepares.

 

Holding Pattern by Scott Limbrick

Read by Aaron Wilson.

 

Synopsis

Ever wondered what it’s like to go inside the life of a stock photo character? Wonder no more! Holding Pattern forces us into the uncomfortable shoes of Victor, an actor, aspiring screenwriter, and dutiful son who’s sure he’s being catfished.  

Hilarious, entertaining, unsettling, just a few of the stock adjectives we might apply to Scott Limbrick’s Holding Pattern. 

Originally published in Going Down Swinging

 

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

 

About Scott Limbrick

Scott Limbrick is a writer and PhD candidate at the University of Sydney. His short stories have appeared in Electric Literature, Griffith Review, Going Down Swinging, The Big Issue, Kill Your Darlings’ New Australian Fiction and elsewhere. He has previously been the recipient of the Frank Moorhouse Fellowship and the Felix Meyer Scholarship, won the Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition and been shortlisted for the Richell Prize. He currently has multiple screenplays in development with funding from VicScreen and Screen Australia. 

scottlimbrick.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. 

An actor prepares.
&nbsp;
Holding Pattern by Scott Limbrick
Read by Aaron Wilson.
&nbsp;
Synopsis
Ever wondered what&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;like to go inside the life of a stock photo character?&nbsp;Wonder&nbsp;no more!&nbsp;Holding Pattern&nbsp;forces us into the uncomfortable shoes of Victor, an&nbsp;actor, aspiring screenwriter, and dutiful son&nbsp;who&rsquo;s&nbsp;sure&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;being catfished.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hilarious, entertaining, unsettling, just a few of the stock adjectives we might apply to Scott Limbrick&rsquo;s&nbsp;Holding&nbsp;Pattern.&nbsp;
Originally published in <a href="https://www.scottlimbrick.com/writing">Going Down Swinging</a>
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Scott Limbrick
Scott&nbsp;Limbrick&nbsp;is a writer and PhD candidate at the University of Sydney. His short stories have appeared in&nbsp;Electric Literature,&nbsp;Griffith Review, Going Down Swinging, The Big Issue, Kill Your Darlings&rsquo; New Australian Fiction&nbsp;and elsewhere. He has previously been the recipient of the Frank Moorhouse Fellowship and the Felix Meyer Scholarship, won the Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition and been shortlisted for the Richell Prize. He currently has multiple screenplays in development with funding from&nbsp;VicScreen&nbsp;and Screen Australia.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.scottlimbrick.com/">scottlimbrick.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 12: Holding Pattern, by Scott Limbrick

Writer Bri Lee discusses her passion for ‘punching-up’ and the connection between our creative and political lives, as well as the challenges and joys of being both a fiction and non-fiction writer.  

 

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

 

About Bri Lee

Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning bestselling author of acclaimed non-fiction books Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to Be Smart. Her journalism, essays, and short stories have been published widely, and she is the creator and editor of News & Reviews. Bri's bestselling first novel, The Work, was published in April 2024 and was longlisted for the 2025 Indie Award for Debut Fiction. Her latest novel, Seed, was just published in October 2025. 

Learn more - bri-lee.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. 

Writer Bri Lee discusses her passion for &lsquo;punching-up&rsquo; and the connection between our creative and political lives, as well as the challenges and joys of being both a fiction and non-fiction writer.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Bri Lee
Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning bestselling author of acclaimed non-fiction books&nbsp;Eggshell Skull,&nbsp;Beauty&nbsp;and&nbsp;Who Gets to Be Smart. Her journalism, essays, and short stories have been published widely, and she is the creator and editor of&nbsp;News &amp; Reviews. Bri's bestselling first novel,&nbsp;The Work, was published in April 2024 and was longlisted for the 2025 Indie Award for Debut Fiction. Her latest novel,&nbsp;Seed, was just published in October 2025.&nbsp;
Learn more - <a href="https://bri-lee.com/">bri-lee.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 11: In conversation with Bri Lee

A hypnotist causes chaos on a cruise ship.

 

Winner Winner by Bri Lee

Read byIndra Liyanaarachchi.

Originally published in The Saturday Paper, over three parts.

 

Synopsis

Phil is supposed to be on top of the world. Instead, he’s been forced into retirement. He’s stuck on a cruise ship. And thanks to a certain hypnotist, he’s developed some, interesting, new ticks.  

Originally published in The Saturday Paper as a three-part serial, Winner Winner, is a blast from the pandemic past that comes with a social critique that remains just as poignant as it was in the pre-COVID era.    

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

 

About Bri Lee

Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning bestselling author of acclaimed non-fiction books Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to Be Smart. Her journalism, essays, and short stories have been published widely, and she is the creator and editor of News & Reviews. Bri's bestselling first novel, The Work, was published in April 2024 and was longlisted for the 2025 Indie Award for Debut Fiction. Her latest novel, Seed, was just published in October 2025. 

Learn more - bri-lee.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 hypnotist causes chaos on a cruise ship.
&nbsp;
Winner Winner by Bri Lee
Read by Indra Liyanaarachchi.
Originally published in <a href="https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/culture/fiction/2020/07/11/winner-winner-part-one/159438960010090">The Saturday Paper, over three parts.</a>
&nbsp;
Synopsis
Phil is supposed to be on top of the world. Instead,&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;been forced into retirement.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;stuck on a cruise ship. And thanks to a certain hypnotist,&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;developed some,&nbsp;interesting,&nbsp;new ticks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Originally published in&nbsp;The Saturday Paper&nbsp;as a three-part serial,&nbsp;Winner&nbsp;Winner, is a blast from the pandemic past that comes with a social critique that&nbsp;remains&nbsp;just as poignant as it was&nbsp;in the&nbsp;pre-COVID era.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Bri Lee
Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning bestselling author of acclaimed non-fiction books&nbsp;Eggshell Skull,&nbsp;Beauty&nbsp;and&nbsp;Who Gets to Be Smart. Her journalism, essays, and short stories have been published widely, and she is the creator and editor of&nbsp;News &amp; Reviews. Bri's bestselling first novel,&nbsp;The Work, was published in April 2024 and was longlisted for the 2025 Indie Award for Debut Fiction. Her latest novel,&nbsp;Seed, was just published in October 2025.&nbsp;
Learn more - <a href="https://bri-lee.com/">bri-lee.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 11: Winner Winner, by Bri Lee

Author Jumaana Abdu speaks with Seth and Tony about writing from a place of spirituality, the influences that shaped Two Burials, and what it means to live and write in the face of crisis.  

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

 

About Jumaana Abdu

Jumaana Abdu is the author of Translations (Vintage) which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the MUD Literary Prize, and a NSW Premier’s Literary Award. She was named SMH Best Young Novelist in 2025 and her widely published fiction and essays have won the Dal Stivens Award, the Patricia Hackett Prize, and the Phoebe Journal fiction prize. During the day, she is a medical doctor. 

jumaanaabdu.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. 

Author Jumaana Abdu speaks with Seth and Tony about writing from a place of spirituality, the influences that shaped Two Burials, and what it means to live and write in the face of crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Jumaana Abdu
Jumaana&nbsp;Abdu is the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/wJ7sCL7rxDsNo74ZATBfYHy5ucw?domain=penguin.com.au">Translations&nbsp;</a>(Vintage) which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the MUD Literary Prize, and&nbsp;a&nbsp;NSW Premier&rsquo;s Literary Award. She was named SMH Best Young Novelist in 2025 and her widely published fiction and essays have won the Dal&nbsp;Stivens&nbsp;Award, the Patricia Hackett Prize, and the Phoebe Journal fiction prize. During the day, she is a medical doctor.&nbsp;
<a href="https://jumaanaabdu.com/">jumaanaabdu.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 10: In conversation with Jumaana Abdu

The sun rises in the west. 

 

Two Burials by Jumaana Abdu

Read by Zena Abdo.

 

Synopsis

On the last day on Earth, the sun rises in the West, and Luqman must bury the body of his companion, Habil.  
 
A beautiful, folkloric journey, Two Burials, brings a together questions of the spiritual, and political, in a story about connection, and what those connections mean to us at the end.  

Originally published in phoebe magazine, as winner of the 2025 fiction contest.

 

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

 

About Jumaana Abdu

Jumaana Abdu is the author of Translations (Vintage) which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the MUD Literary Prize, and a NSW Premier’s Literary Award. She was named SMH Best Young Novelist in 2025 and her widely published fiction and essays have won the Dal Stivens Award, the Patricia Hackett Prize, and the Phoebe Journal fiction prize. During the day, she is a medical doctor. 

jumaanaabdu.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. 

The sun rises in the west.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Two Burials by Jumaana Abdu
Read by Zena Abdo.
&nbsp;
Synopsis
On the last day on Earth, the sun rises in the West, and Luqman must bury the body of his companion, Habil.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; A beautiful, folkloric journey,&nbsp;Two Burials,&nbsp;brings a&nbsp;together questions&nbsp;of the spiritual, and political, in a story&nbsp;about connection, and what those connections mean to us at the end.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Originally published in phoebe magazine, as <a href="https://phoebejournal.com/two-burials/">winner of the 2025 fiction contest</a>.
&nbsp;
Listeners are advised that this episode of&nbsp;Unfolded&nbsp;comes with a language and content warning.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Jumaana Abdu
Jumaana&nbsp;Abdu is the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/wJ7sCL7rxDsNo74ZATBfYHy5ucw?domain=penguin.com.au">Translations&nbsp;</a>(Vintage) which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the MUD Literary Prize, and&nbsp;a&nbsp;NSW Premier&rsquo;s Literary Award. She was named SMH Best Young Novelist in 2025 and her widely published fiction and essays have won the Dal&nbsp;Stivens&nbsp;Award, the Patricia Hackett Prize, and the Phoebe Journal fiction prize. During the day, she is a medical doctor.&nbsp;
<a href="https://jumaanaabdu.com/">jumaanaabdu.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 10: Two Burials, by Jumaana Abdu

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

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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