From the Lighthouse
158 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★ - 6 ratingsFrom the Lighthouse is a literary podcast published out of the Department of English at Macquarie University. Your hosts Dr Stephanie Russo and Dr Michelle Hamadache love to talk about anything to do with books, from the latest bestsellers and prize-winners, film and television adaptations of books to bookish news. Join us as we chat all things literary. For more information visit the MQ English Department webpage at www.engl.mq.edu.au
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Episodes
From Raptus to Porn: Celebrating 675 Years of Geoffrey Chaucer
June 26, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 35.4 MBChaucer is often called the Father of English Literature, but what do you really know about this? This week, Stephanie is joined by Professor Louise d'Arcens to discuss Chaucer's life, work, the Cecily Champagne case, and oddly enough, Chaucerian porn.
Bonus Episode: Hanya Yanagihara's The People in the Trees with Jeremy Nigro
June 25, 2018 23:00 - 3 minutes - 2.82 MBEnglish Department student Jeremy Nigro reviews Hanya Yanagihara's novel The People in the Trees in this creative podcast produced as an assessment task for the unit ENGL303 Narrative and the Novel.
Bonus Episode: Jane Austen's Emma with Alice Kouzmenko
June 19, 2018 23:00 - 3 minutes - 2.43 MBEnglish Department student Alice Kouzmenko reviews Jane Austen's novel Emma in this creative podcast produced as an assessment task for the unit ENGL303 Narrative and the Novel.
Bonus Episode: Margaret Atwood's The Edible Woman with Rebecca McMartin
June 19, 2018 23:00 - 4 minutes - 3.32 MBEnglish Department student Rebecca McMartin reviews Margaret Atwood's novel The Edible Woman in this creative podcast produced as an assessment task for the unit ENGL303 Narrative and the Novel
Kate Rossmanith: Small Wrongs: Remorse and the criminal justice system
June 12, 2018 23:00 - 45 minutes - 24.8 MBRemorse plays an important part in Australia’s criminal justice system, impacting both sentencing and parole. Kate Rossmanith’s book, Small Wrongs, explores remorse in all its complexity. Join Michelle Hamadache as she talks with Kate about researching and writing her compelling new release. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
The Life and Death of Christopher Marlowe
May 29, 2018 23:00 - 51 minutes - 27.9 MBChristopher Marlowe, the big Renaissance playwright before Shakespeare, was murdered on May 30, 1593. To mark the 425th anniversary of his death, Stephanie is joined by Professor Tony Cousins to talk about his life, his plays, and why he became so popular in the 1980s.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: or The Golden State Killer's Walk into the Light
May 16, 2018 00:05 - 44 minutes - 23.7 MBIf you follow true crime news, you'll know that the Golden State Killer was recently arrested, over forty years after his crime spree began. This week, Jimmy and Stephanie discuss the book that many people believe was responsible for renewed interest in this case: Michelle McNamara's posthumously published I'll Be Gone in the Dark.
SWF 2018 - Our Top Picks
April 24, 2018 23:00 - 21 minutes - 11.3 MBSydney Writers' Festival is definitely the best week of the year! This week, Stephanie and Michelle pour over the 2018 program, and pick their highlights, from ancient Greek epic to young Australian poets.
A WoMAN of no Importance: 125 Years of Comedy, Tragedy and Confusing Aestheticism
April 17, 2018 23:00 - 54 minutes - 30.2 MBIs Oscar Wilde's play about a woman of no importance or a man of no importance? To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the play, Stephanie and Lee discuss comedy, tragedy, and the confusing appeal of aestheticism.
Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal: The Works of Jeanette Winterson
April 04, 2018 01:13 - 48 minutes - 26.2 MBJeanette Winterson is one of the UK's most beloved and challenging writers. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss Winterson's long career, from the publication of Oranges are Not the Only Fruit in 1985, to her recent (fabulously titled) memoir, Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal?Wh
Hamlet: The Indecisively Complicated Prince of Denmark
March 27, 2018 22:00 - 46 minutes - 25.2 MBTo be or not to be? Is that the question? This week, Stephanie is joined by Professor Tony Cousins to discuss one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Is this really a play about somebody who can't make up their mind or is it more complicated than that?
Medicine, Literature, Interceptionality, and Literary Gate-Keeping: An Interview with Michelle Cahill
March 20, 2018 22:00 - 48 minutes - 26.5 MBThis week, Stephanie and Michelle interview Michelle Cahill, writer and managing director of the literary journal Mascara. In this wide-ranging discussion, they talk about the intersection of medicine and literature, interceptionality, and literary gate-keeping. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
The Women's Prize for Fiction 2018 Longlist Show
March 14, 2018 11:43 - 47 minutes - 26.4 MBThe longlist for the Women's Prize was released on March 8, International Women's Day. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss the longlist: the books they've read, the books they want to read, and the snubs. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Handsome, Clever, Rich and Bored: The Mixed Blessings of Jane Austen's Emma
March 06, 2018 22:00 - 59 minutes - 32.7 MBEmma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence. Or does she? This week, Stephanie is joined by Dr Lee O'Brien to discuss Mr Knightley, Miss Bates, and why Emma's big problem is that she's just so bored. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Generation Women: Suvi Derkenne on the Importance of Women's Voices
February 27, 2018 22:00 - 23 minutes - 13.2 MBGeneration Women is a storytelling event where women from all walks of life tell stories and celebrate women's voices. This week, Stephanie talks to Macquarie University English alumna Suvi Derkenne about bringing Generation Women to Australia, the importance of women's voices, and what she's been up to since leaving Macquarie. The first Generation Women event will be held at the Giant Dwarf Theatre on Wednesday March 7th. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.o...
Netflix's adaption of Atwood's Alias Grace: It may be binge-worthy but is it rant-worthy?
February 20, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 33.4 MBMargaret Atwood's 1996 novel Alias Grace was recently made into a television adaptation, available on Netflix and starring Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks, and produced by Canadian actress Sarah Polley. This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy discuss the series, focusing on crime, feminism and ambiguous endings (and Stephanie rants a lot). For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Valentine's Day Special: The Wretched Cant of Love
February 14, 2018 00:41 - 54 minutes - 30.3 MBAre you a Valentine's Day sap or a grinch? This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy are joined by Associate Professor Hsu-Ming Teo to talk about all things romance. They discuss Austen, why murder makes romance novels more interesting, why good real estate matters, and Michelle get the giggles over deer. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
The Benefits of Rejection Goals: A Discussion with Ashley Kalagian Blunt
February 06, 2018 22:00 - 55 minutes - 31 MBWhy does this week's guest set rejection goals? This week, Stephanie and Michelle chat to Ashley Kalagian Blunt about her work as a writer. They discuss her writing about the Armenian genocide, moving to Australia from Canada, and Ashley gives her top tips for aspiring writers. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Creative Writing Alumna Claire Catacouzinos' Tips for Young Writers
January 30, 2018 22:00 - 51 minutes - 27.8 MBHow does a young writer start their writing career? This week, Stephanie interviews Creative Writing alumna and talented writer Claire Catacouzinos about historical fiction, the impact of her Greek heritage, and her journey as a writer. Claire gives such helpful tips about managing a writing career that this episode is a must for any aspiring young writers out there. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Special Event: A Day of Literature, Music & Culture at M on the Bund
January 30, 2018 04:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBA special From the Lighthouse presentation: an evening of poetry and song in China! Featuring Toby Davidson, Jane Messer and Hsu-Ming Teo reading their works, with musical accompaniment by Shu-Cheen Yu. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
Special Event: A Day of Literature, Music & Culture at M on the Bund
January 30, 2018 04:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBA special From the Lighthouse presentation: an evening of poetry and song in China! Featuring Toby Davidson, Jane Messer and Hsu-Ming Teo reading their works, with musical accompaniment by Shu-Cheen Yu. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org
The Life of a Creative Mind: A Discussion with Associate Professor Marcelle Freiman
January 23, 2018 22:00 - 58 minutes - 33.8 MBOne of the perks of working in an English department is getting to work alongside writers. This week, Stephanie and Michelle are joined by Associate Professor Marcelle Freiman to discuss Marcelle's writing life. They discuss her youth in South Africa, migration to the UK and Australia, her career as a poet, and the life of a creative mind. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that you need not have an excuse to pod about Pride and Prejudice
January 16, 2018 22:00 - 53 minutes - 30.8 MBDo we really need an excuse to talk about Pride and Prejudice? Stephanie is joined by Dr Lee O'Brien and Dr Geoff Payne to talk about everybody's favourite novel and gush about the enduring genius of Jane Austen. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
Percy Bysshe Shelley, Poet of Poets
January 09, 2018 22:00 - 59 minutes - 32.6 MBIn a year of big Romantic anniversaries, Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" celebrates 200 years since its publication on 11 January 2018. To celebrate, Stephanie is joined by Dr Geoff Payne to discuss the poem, Percy Shelley, his scandalous life, and the time somebody tried to assassinate him. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
Best Books of 2017
January 02, 2018 22:00 - 41 minutes - 23 MBWhat were your best books of 2017? This week, Stephanie and Michelle contemplate their year in reading. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
Sing, O Muse, of the books we loathe: Literary Confessions pt. 1
December 26, 2017 22:00 - 42 minutes - 23.9 MBWhat books do you absolutely hate? What books have you pretended to have read? Which books are you ashamed of loving? This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy let the silly season go to their heads entirely and spill all their deepest, darkest secrets. Shh, don't tell anyone.
Elf, Rudolph, Mannequin Mom, Mr Hanky, and the Osmonds - it must be the Christmas Show!
December 19, 2017 22:00 - 53 minutes - 29.7 MBChristmas is a time for...escaping family by watching television and reading? This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy discuss their favourite Christmas books, films and tv shows, and Stephanie is mocked for liking Elf. Merry Christmas! For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
The Novel and the Navy: Celebrating 200 Years of Jane Austen's Persuasion and Northanger Abbey
December 12, 2017 22:00 - 57 minutes - 31.4 MBJane Austen's novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published posthumously in December 1817. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of these novels that bookend Austen's career, Stephanie is joined by Dr Geoff Payne to discuss Anne Elliot, Catherine Morland, the novel, and the Navy. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
On Speedy Death and the Golden Age of Gladys Mitchell
December 05, 2017 22:00 - 51 minutes - 28.8 MBGladys Mitchell is one of the most entertaining of the Golden Age detective novelists. However, she's relatively little known today. This week, Stephanie and Jimmy discuss her first novel, Speedy Death, with Dr Lee O'Brien, and make the case that everybody should really be reading Gladys Mitchell. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
The Power of Love, or Why We Read Romance Novels
November 28, 2017 22:00 - 57 minutes - 32.2 MBRomance fiction is often unfairly maligned as silly and escapist, largely because of its association with a female readership, but in terms of popularity, nothing beats romance. This week, Stephanie and Jimmy discuss the phenomenal power of the romance novel with romance expert Associate Professor Hsu-Ming Teo. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
A Killer Obsession: The Latest Adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
November 21, 2017 22:00 - 44 minutes - 24.5 MBMurder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie's best-known mysteries, and a new film adaptation directed and starring Kenneth Branagh is in cinemas now. This week, Stephanie, Jimmy and Michelle discuss the novel, the film, and Jimmy's strange serial killer obsession. For more info visit our website at: https://www.fromthelighthouse.org/
Murder, they Spoke: The Rise of True Crime Podcasts and Documentaries
November 14, 2017 22:00 - 45 minutes - 25.7 MBSince the podcast Serial was released in 2014 (#freeAdnan), the public appetite for true crime documentaries and podcasts seems unquenchable. This week, Stephanie and Jimmy are joined by Dr Alys Moody to discuss the appeal of true crime, the role of the police, Making a Murderer and citizen detectives.
How Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea has Ruined Mr. Rochester Forever
November 07, 2017 22:00 - 47 minutes - 26.7 MBJean Rhys's lyrical, beautiful novel Wide Sargasso Sea is a prequel of sorts to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, focusing on the story of Mr. Rochester's first wife. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss Jamaica, Jane Eyre, and how Jean Rhys ruined Mr. Rochester for them both forever.
A Time for Lear: The Rise in Popularity of Shakespeare's King Lear
October 31, 2017 22:00 - 50 minutes - 28.9 MBKing Lear is one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays, but also one of his bleakest. This week, Stephanie and Michelle are joined by Shakespearean scholar and Renaissance man, Professor Tony Cousins to discuss Lear, Cordelia, lame eighteenth-century reworkings of the play, and why King Lear became the play de jour after WWII.
The Spoooooky Halloween Show
October 24, 2017 22:00 - 48 minutes - 27.9 MBDo you like spoooooky novels? Tv shows? Movies? Podcasts? Why do we like to be scared, anyway? To celebrate Halloween, Stephanie and Jimmy are joined by Dr Kirstin Mills to discuss werewolves, vampires, mermaids, ghosts, witches, and the delicious thrill of terror.
20 Years a Slay: A Celebration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
October 24, 2017 22:00 - 48 minutes - 28.6 MBBuffy is the greatest television show of all time. At least, that's what Stephanie, Dr Kirstin Mills and Dr Lorin Schwarz think. This week, they discuss the enduring appeal of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the genius of Joss Whedon, and why they can't get enough of Spike.
Kazuo Ishiguro: An Artist of the Nobel World
October 17, 2017 22:00 - 48 minutes - 26.9 MBKazuo Ishiguro was recently awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Literature. This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy commend the Nobel Prize committee for their excellent choice. They talk Japanese cinema, floating worlds, perfect novels, and Stephanie offends Bob Dylan fans.
The 2017 Man Booker Prize Shortlist Show
October 10, 2017 22:00 - 47 minutes - 26.9 MBBetween the two of them, Stephanie and Michelle have read the Man Booker Prize shortlist, as well as most of the longlist. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss the books that made it through to the shortlist, those that didn't (how did Reservoir 13 not get to the shortlist?), and predict the winner.
A Pain in the Neck: Celebrating 125 Years of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
October 03, 2017 22:00 - 51 minutes - 29.6 MBWe can't stop talking about Sherlock. To celebrate 125 years since the publication of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Stephanie and Jimmy are joined by Dr Lee O'Brien to discuss the continuing appeal of Conan Doyle's most famous creation. They discuss the lovable Watson, the beguiling Irene Adler, the surprising darkness of these stories, and why Sherlock can be such a pain in the neck.
Men Know Best but Women Know Better: The Ever-Lasting Appeal of George Eliot's Middlemarch
September 26, 2017 22:00 - 55 minutes - 30.7 MBGeorge Eliot's novel Middlemarch is often featured in lists of the best novels of all time, and it continues to be a favourite of literary critics and historians everywhere. This week, Stephanie is joined by Dr Geoff Payne and Dr Lee O'Brien to discuss Dorothea Brooke, Will Ladislaw, the ever-lasting appeal of the novel, and all things Eliot.
A 300 Year Old Goth: Horace Walpole and The Castle of Otranto
September 19, 2017 22:00 - 57 minutes - 33.3 MBThe Castle of Otranto was the first Gothic novel: the novel that started the craze for the Gothic that's never ceased since. On Horace Walpole's 300th birthday, Stephanie is joined by Dr Lee O'Brien to discuss the ongoing appeal of the Gothic, Manfred as Gothic hero, giant helmets, and whether you're supposed to find the novel funny.
The 2017 Man Booker Prize Longlist Show
September 11, 2017 22:00 - 56 minutes - 31.7 MBThe Man Booker Dozen (otherwise known as the longlist) is about to be whittled down to six. On the eve of the shortlist announcement, Stephanie and Michelle discuss the longlisted novels, pick their favourites, and predict the novels that will go through to the shortlist.
From Former Student to New York Times Bestseller: Liane Moriarty and Big Little Lies
September 05, 2017 22:00 - 47 minutes - 26.4 MBLiane Moriarty's Big Little Lies was a New York Times bestseller, and now it's an award-nominated HBO series starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. That's really exciting for us, as Liane Moriarty is a Macquarie University English Department alumni! This week, Stephanie is joined by Associate Professor Marcelle Freiman, who supervised Liane's first creative work, to discuss the book, the series, and how excited we are to see a promising student become an international sensation.
A Kindred Spirit: The World of Anne of Green Gables
August 29, 2017 22:00 - 55 minutes - 31.8 MBAre you a kindred spirit? Are you of the race that knows Joseph, as Miss Cornelia would say? If you understand those references, you're probably as big an Anne of Green Gables as Stephanie. This week, Stephanie chats to Jimmy about the new Netflix adaptation Anne with an E, Jimmy's beloved 1980s adaptation, and all things Anne Shirley.
Francis Webb: The Best Australian Poet You've Never Heard Of
August 22, 2017 04:50 - 51 minutes - 30.1 MBFrancis Webb is the best Australian poet you've never heard of. At least, that's what Dr Toby Davidson thinks. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss Australian poetry, cultural cringe, and Francis Webb's influence on the poets who came after him. This podcast also features recordings of Francis Webb reading his own poetry.
Romance Heroes, Dog Sidekicks and Beau Brummell: The Regency Romance Novels of Georgette Heyer
August 15, 2017 22:00 - 57 minutes - 32.5 MBGeorgette Heyer wrote crime and historical novels, but is most widely known for her best-selling and beloved Regency romances. Stephanie is joined on the podcast this week by her fellow Heyer tragic, Dr Lee O'Brien, to talk about all things Regency and romantic. They discuss romance heroes, dog sidekicks, Beau Brummell, historical research, and what to do about your problematic faves.
You know nothing, HBO: Medievalism, and the racial and sexual politics of Game of Thrones
August 01, 2017 22:00 - 49 minutes - 28.1 MBTo say Game of Thrones is popular is to wildly understate the case: the first episode of the most recent series caused Foxtel to (temporarily) crash. This week, Stephanie and Jimmy are joined by Professor Louise D'Arcens to discuss the popularity of the series and the enduring appeal of the medieval, as well as try to untangle the racial and sexual politics of Westeros.
Remembering Jane: Is Austen really, "the greatest novelist the world has ever seen"?
July 17, 2017 22:00 - 49 minutes - 28 MBOn the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death on July 18, 1817, Stephanie and Michelle are joined by Dr Geoff Payne to talk all things Austen. They debunk some Austen myths, discuss their favourite novels and characters, and agree that Jane Austen is the greatest novelist the world has ever seen.
25 Years later and we're still Looking for Alibrandi
July 05, 2017 00:26 - 47 minutes - 26.6 MBMelina Marchetta's young adult novel Looking for Alibrandi was published 25 years ago this year. The novel has become a landmark piece of Australian children's literature, and continues to be as popular amongst young people today as it was when it was published. Stephanie, Jimmy and Michelle are joined by Dr Victoria Flanagan to discuss the legacy of the novel, as well as gender, ethnicity, romance, and the experience of reading the novel in 2017.
S-Town: Stories of Time and Madness
June 20, 2017 23:59 - 46 minutes - 26.3 MBAre podcasts the new novels? Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy podcast on a podcast: S-Town, the new hit show from the team that bought you Serial and This American Life. They discuss John B. McLemore, Alabama, Southern Gothic, tattoos, and why fact really is stranger than fiction.