The Wheeler Centre Is Killing It With Their Just-Launched Season Two Lineup

The team at The Wheeler Centre have revealed their latest lineup of public talks, and damn is it impressive. Ira Glass, Jonathan Franzen, Paul Kelly and Leigh Sales are just a few of the names on the kickass program, packed with writers, broadcasters, podcasters, journalists, artists, musicians and more. Strap on a helmet, because your brain won't know what hit it.

Headlining a pool of considerable literary talent is acclaimed American novelist Jonathan Franzen, author of The Corrections and Freedom, who'll be in town to discuss his latest book, Purity. Other standouts include Jeanette Winterson, author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and the recent The Gap of Time; and Palestinian writer Suad Amiry, who'll talk about both her career and her hopes for the future of the West Bank.

Podcast addicts clean up more than most, with This American Life host and podcasting pioneer Ira Glass scheduled to visit Melbourne in July, for an event that combines live radio with... contemporary dance? You'll hear from two of the medium's biggest new stars, when PJ Vogt and Starlee Kine, hosts of Reply All and the utterly addictive Mystery Show, respectively, appear together at Deakin Edge, in an event christened Invasion of the Pod People. They'll also take part in a panel with the Wheeler Centre's digital manager Jon Tjhia, in which they'll workshop new podcast ideas submitted by the public.

Blurring the lines between mediums even further is widely celebrated young English rapper, poet, playwright and novelist Kate Tempest, appearing in conversation with local writer Maxine Beneba Clarke. Also on tap is playwright and Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Hare, who'll speak with Julian Burnside about everything from writing to politics.

Alongside the plethora of international talent are a number of speakers grown right here at home. Musician Paul Kelly will discuss his affinity for Shakespeare and perform songs from his upcoming album Seven Sonnets & A Song, while a number of prominent local writers including Kate Holden, Chloe Hooper and David Marr will reimagine their work as stories for children. How do you rewrite In My Skin for kiddies? Guess you'll have to find out yourself.

For the full Wheeler Centre Season Two program, visit www.wheelercentre.com/events.