Hear the whole first chapter of new books every episode. Top publishers, great books, regular episodes, links if you'd like to buy or find out more. Host Nelly Thomas traded stand-up comedy and the big stage for the “quiet life” of an author, professional MC, keynote presenter, health advocate & media personality. Share the podcast with a friend and join our Facebook Group.   Find other great shows at Nearly.com.au   Produced by Nearly Media. Contact the show...

It's proshchay with a series of politically sensitive interviews about the current state of Russia and how it's ruled. In one case we've had to alter voices to protect identities, conducted the interviews in London and held off until things had quietened down. An illuminating final episode of the World Cup Road Trip and an insight into the country few expected to hold it.

22 June 2006 and Tony is in Stuttgart for the match between Australia and Croatia. He's also part of the Triple R Breakfasters team. Best thing to do - call into the show from the other side of the world after a big game.

In the final days of the tournament Tony and Francis reflect on the Road Trip, the World Cup and world football. Five questions each between Moscow and Melbourne.

Is it one step closer to "coming home"? Francis is in Moscow; first a visit to the stadium to take in the flavour of high stakes international football then back to a suburban restaurant near Yugo-Zapadaya metro station to watch the game on a grainy TV.

It's over to Max Rushden's London place for a BBQ and pub-patron-free viewing of the quarter final that could get England one step closer to "bringing it home". Then off to Hyde Park to people watch as Francis wrestles with what he sees and hears.

Francis leaves Russia looking for the England football fans. He's in London confused by his own English football team antipathy. Lucky he's found a sympathetic ear in Daniel Norcross, BBC Test Match Special and ESPNCricinfo. Tony's ditched the Northcote closet for ropey electricity in Red Hill.

The sonic audio of the Moscow subway, jet lag for good and breaking of the penalty shoot out curse. The excitement, the whinging and the hopes of both countries.

Old mate glass-shins Neymar has lost Brazil another fan in Francis Leach. And reporting from a Northcote closet Tony farewells Japan.

The party's probably still going on in Russia. And Tony files a report from a closet in Northcote.

Tony was shaken out of his World Cup reverie by bad news from Sochi. Peter Dawson, Socceroos tragic, died on the day of the Peru game in Sochi. He was a football fanatic, a Socceroos tragic, and he was never going to miss a World Cup. Rest in peace.

Archie Shaw of the Evening Standard and David Davutovic, head football writere at the Herald Sun, discuss the state of the World Cup during the final 10 minutes of France V Argentina. But before we do, Francis blessed the rains down in Red Square.

While Francis pushes on in St Petersburg Tony is celebrating with Brazil then off the airport to come home. It's a hour-plus taxi to the airport but the driver Victor has a lead foot, minimal English and a brash disregard for the German soccer team. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip.

Tony makes it back to the familiar surrounds of Moscow with the tour finding a local with impressive knowledge of Australian sport. And Francis checks in from St. Petersburg. Not so sadly it seems Germany lost despite 26 shots at goal compared to South Korea's 11. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip.

Tens of thousands of Peruvian fans have decended on Fisht Stadium with the Australian supporters. We're at the ground to experience what could be Australia's last game in this World Cup.

The Russians are noticeably unhappy about the result against Uruguay. And as Australians we have some insight here. Every episode Dean sends Tony a text with a suggested headline for the episodes, we did use "Seven Pelmeni Army" but others have been left off. Not for lack of talent, moreso practical reasons with the editor back in Australia.

At 10:36 PM Tony's picking cucumbers for dinner in Jenya's Sochi garden after buying him around at the pub. Home brew whiskey and Google Translate go some way to filling the gaps. While you're here - leave a review or share the show with a friend.

Sun's out and it's time to take in the Black Sea town of Sochi. Walking tour, beard tokens and a reflection on the trade-offs between security and freedom. While you're here - leave a review or share the show with a friend.

We're in Sochi for Germany verses Sweden! "My stress was zero, my enjoyment - 10 out of 10!" says Cam leaving the stadium.

It's a sing-off! Australia excels comparitively in almost anything to do with sport except songs. Barmy Army's got us beat at the cricket and the Russians hold an upper hand, on home soil, at the Cup. And Tony gets out and about in the "closed city" to take in a space museum.

Nigeria bested the sparcely populated but closely related Iceland 2 - 0. Time to draw some Lionel Messi comparisons to the star of the game, Ahmed Musa, and think about the significance of this tournament for the great Messi.

Big game, big opponents (literally), big episode. - Australia verses Denmark - Shane Crawford - Simon Hill - Francis Leach as Joe Cocker

The trip heads from Ulyanovsk to Samara with goodbyes from Roman, a TV chef handing out commemorative coins. Straight away in Samara Tony's found a party on the outskirts and a handful of bookmakers. Nobody ever tips a draw! And they love it.

If you've got a photo like Francis does you'll walk straight over there. Russian taxis are almost as thrilling as the second Russia win. You meet another of the Green and Gold Army, a model plane obsession surfaces and we think Tony is coming home with some cash for Thorpie.