Bestselling author Markus Zusak joins Professor Brigitta Olubas to share the wild, funny, and unforgettable story of how three rescue dogs—Reuben, Archer, and Frosty—became part of his family. From street fights to park mishaps, Markus reflects on the joy, chaos, and deep connection that comes with loving animals.

He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, the elements of wilderness and mythic in his storytelling, as well the role of death in his work. Through personal stories and reflections, he explores the impact animals have on our lives and the creative spark they can ignite.

In this fascinating new episode, step into rural Victoria as author and ADA alumna Georgia Rose Phillips explores with researcher Christy Newman the story behind The Bearcat— a powerful reimagining of the early life and family of Australia’s most notorious cult leader Anne Hamilton-Byrne who led the cult The Family. Told through the voices of Anne and her mother Florence, The Bearcat explores themes of motherhood, power and powerlessness, the inviolable grip of the past and the desperate search for belonging.

Georgia and Christy unpack the creative process behind crafting these layered characters, discuss the domestic sphere as both a site of refuge and entrapment in fiction, and reflect on society’s continuous fascination with cults. Plus, discover the story behind the novel’s striking title.

Join UNSW's Kerrie Davies and Fiona Morrison as they journey back to the early 1900s to uncover the little-known years of Miles Franklin’s life when she created her own brilliant career. In this fascinating episode, they reveal how Franklin went undercover as a domestic servant in Australia and emerged as a fierce advocate for working women in Chicago.

Kerrie Davies shares her experience working with the never-before-published manuscript, how she brought Miles’ voice to life, and the creative process behind capturing one of Australia’s most iconic literary figures.