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U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories

U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories

Di: University of Alberta Office of Alumni Relations
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A proposito di questo titolo

Welcome to U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories — the podcast that takes you beyond the book jacket and into the creative heart of the University of Alberta’s finest storytellers.


In each episode, we sit down with U of A authors — from celebrated alumni to inspiring faculty and emerging student voices — to explore the passion, process, and personal journeys behind their latest works. From fiction to memoir, poetry to research, discover the experiences, memories, and motivations that shaped the stories on the page.


Because every great book has a backstory — and we’re here to share it.


Territorial Acknowledgement

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

© 2026 U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories Arte Storia e critica della letteratura
Episodi
  • Gavin Bradley

    Gavin Bradley
    Jan 29 2026

    This episode features Gavin Bradley, ’15 MSc — an Irish writer, musician and palaeontologist from Belfast, living as a permanent resident in Edmonton, on Treaty 6 Territory. His debut poetry collection, Separation Anxiety, won the UNESCO Bridges of Struga International Poetry Award 2023, and was reprinted with an English/Macedonian translation. His play, Seanchaí, won Best Overall Production and Best New Work at both the Edmonton Stage Struck! Festival and Alberta Provincial One Act Play Festival. Recently, he received the University of Alberta Alumni Horizon Award recognizing the outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the community of University of Alberta graduates. You can follow him at: gavinbradleywrites.ca or on Instagram @gavinbradleywrites

    In this episode, we’ll talk about Separation Anxiety, how science shapes his creative voice, and about the connections between place, time, and identity that run through his writing.

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

    Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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    1 ora e 7 min
  • Carissa Halton

    Carissa Halton
    Dec 12 2025

    In this episode of U of A Reads, we’re thrilled to welcome Carissa Halton, ’03 BA — the author of Little Yellow House: Finding Community in a Changing Neighbourhood and an award‑winning writer whose creative nonfiction has appeared in outlets like The Globe & Mail, Alberta Views, and Today’s Parent.

    Her stunning debut novel, Revolution Songs, pulls us into a 1930s Rocky Mountain town: Annie Jalmer finds herself torn between opposing forces — a communist union, the rise of the Canadian Ku Klux Klan, family loyalties, and a world on the brink of upheaval.

    In this conversation, we dive into Carissa’s journey from nonfiction to fiction, how she blends historical research with compelling storytelling, and the ways that place, politics, and community shape her work. Fans of historical fiction and rich, character-driven stories will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.

    You can learn more about Carissa and Revolution Songs at carissahalton.com.

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

    Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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    1 ora e 3 min
  • Conor Kerr

    Conor Kerr
    Nov 26 2025

    In this special episode of U of A Reads, we sit down with award-winning Métis writer Conor Kerr, '12 BA to explore the stories, history, and fierce heart behind his latest novel, Prairie Edge.

    Conor is a national award winning Metis/Ukrainian writer and bird hunter living in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). Born in Saskatoon, raised in Buffalo Pound Lake and Drayton Valley. He is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. His Ukrainian family are Settlers on Treaty 4 Territory. Conor is passionate about crafting narratives that focus on the relationship to the landscapes around us.

    Recorded as part of the Beyond the Pages webinar series, this conversation takes listeners deeper into Kerr’s creative practice—his approach to storytelling, his reflections on Métis identity and community, and the ways the Prairies shape his characters, their choices, and their futures.

    You can find Conor's book at your favourite local bookstore.

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

    Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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    1 ora
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