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U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories
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U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories

Author: University of Alberta, Office of Alumni Relations

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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.

5 Episodes
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Gavin Bradley

Gavin Bradley

2026-01-2901:07:23

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 Fest...
Carissa Halton

Carissa Halton

2025-12-1201:02:48

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 ...
Conor Kerr

Conor Kerr

2025-11-2601:00:14

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 passiona...
Lauren Seal

Lauren Seal

2025-11-2501:14:39

This episode features Lauren Seal, ’13 BA — writer, book lover, and former Poet Laureate of St. Albert. Lauren is deeply involved in building Alberta’s poetry community, mentoring young writers through SWYC, the Spoken Word Youth Choir, and performing with the adult group. Her debut novel-in-verse, Light Enough to Float, was recognized with the Schneider Family Honor Book Award for excellence in artistic expression of the disability experience. In this conversation, Lauren shares how poetry c...
U of A Reads Trailer

U of A Reads Trailer

2025-11-2501:10

This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association. Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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