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From the Lighthouse

From the Lighthouse

MQ English 174 Episodes Mar 11, 2026

From the Lighthouse is a literary podcast produced by the Department of English at Macquarie University. Hosts Dr Stephanie Russo and Dr Michelle Hamadache discuss books, bestsellers, prize-winners, film and TV adaptations, and bookish news. New episodes are released twice a month.

Episodes

Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective: An Interview with Kelly Gardiner Mar 11, 2026 2899 This week, Stephanie is joined by two special guests, Rita Jane Dashwood of Ghent University and Kelly Gardiner, to discuss Kelly and Sharmini Kumar's new book, Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective.
Revelation Beach - An Interview with Susan Francis Oct 8, 2025 2022 Join Michelle as she discusses Susan Francis's new novel Revelation Beach. The novel unflinchingly searches for answers to the brutal murders of the journalists known as the Balibo Five; its publication date coincides with the 50th Anniversary of their deaths. Revelation Beach is Susan Francis's second book. Her first, The Love that Remains was a Varuna PIP finalist. Trigger warning: This podcast
The Bright Sword: An Interview with Lev Grossman Sep 1, 2025 2813 Stephanie Russo talks to the bestselling novelist Lev Grossman about his 2024 novel The Bright Sword, a retelling of the Arthurian legends after the death of King Arthur.
Joans of Arc Worldwide: An Interview with Ellie Crookes Aug 18, 2025 2808 Stephanie Russo chats with Ellie Crookes about her upcoming book, Joans of Arc Worldwide.
Chloe Adams' The Occupation Book Launch Aug 6, 2025 2584 For this episode, Michelle is thrilled to interview the 2024 Penguin Literary Prize winner and recent Macquarie University Master of Creative Writing graduate on her fantastic new novel, The Occupation. This recording is part of Chloe's book launch event held at Macquarie University on 5th August 2025. 
Lost Origins: An Interview with Chris Kulp Jul 28, 2025 2419 Join Michelle as she talks with science fiction author Dr Chris Kulp about his latest novel Lost Origins: Book 1 The Majestic Chronicles, a rollicking space opera with heart and AI. Chris is a professor of physics at the University of Lycoming and the 2022 winner of the Mike Resnick Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Short Story by a New Author. His fiction has appeared in Galaxy's Edge magaz
Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory: An Interview with Yaroslav Barsukov Feb 26, 2025 3304 This week Michelle and Jimmy interview Nebula-nominated author, Yaroslav Barsukov, about his new novel, Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory. Join them as they explore the intricacies and intrigues of this critically acclaimed genre-defying novel.
The Master of Alternate History: An Interview with Harry Turtledove Feb 19, 2025 2264 This week, Stephanie interviews the prolific novelist Harry Turtledove, known as the Master of Alternate History. They discuss alternate history as a genre, how to do historical research when you're writing alternative history, and why alternative histories are so relevant right now.
The Other Side of Daylight: An Interview with David Brooks Feb 12, 2025 3993 Join Michelle as she discusses The Other Side of Daylight, a new and collected poetry collection by prize-winning poet, novelist and essayist David Brooks.   Bio David Brooks has written numerous works of fiction, poetry, philosophy and criticism. His The Cold Front won the 1983 Anne Elder Award for the best first collection of poetry, the Sydney Morning Herald described his The Book of Sei (1985)
The Comic and Tragicomic Poetry of Francis Webb Jan 29, 2025 4617 Michelle chats with Dr Toby Davidson, editor of Francis Webb's Collected Poems, about the comic element in his poetry of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Webb (1925 - 73) is an enigma, a postwar prodigy respected by some of the loftiest names in Australian poetry - Judith Wright, Gwen Harwood, Les Murray, Robert Adamson - but largely unknown to the general public. 2025 marks 100 years since the poet's birt
Apollo Rising: An Interview with Celebrated Author and Former NASA Astrophysicist Alan Smale Jan 7, 2025 3819 Michelle talks to author and NASA astrophysicist Alan Smale about his science fiction series Apollo Rising. Alan also wrote the alternate history trilogy Clash of Eagles. Lachlan Marnoch, Macquarie University PhD researcher in astrophysics and science fiction writer and reader, helps Michelle navigate the terrain of 'hard' sci-fi.
Film Review: The Substance Dec 18, 2024 3839 This week Michelle and Dr James Mackenzie discuss the controversial, highly acclaimed, and highly divisive film, The Substance. Join them as they discuss intertextuality, body horror, and the universality of this phenomenal film. If you haven't seen the film yet, it is highly recommended that you watch the film first before listening to this podcast as James and Michelle will be discussing spoiler

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