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Novel Thinking Podcast Series

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Miles Franklin Undercover
Kerrie Davies | Fiona Morrison
Episode 1
Dialog
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ADA109 Podcast Program 2025 Social Insta 1080x1920 v22

Miles Franklin Undercover

Kerrie Davies | Fiona Morrison
Episode 1

Join Kerrie Davies and Associate Professor 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. Available also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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The Bearcat
Georgia Rose Phillips | Christy Newman
Episode 2
Dialog
ADA109 Podcast Program 2025 Social Insta 1080x1920 v23
ADA109 Podcast Program 2025 Social Insta 1080x1920 v23

The Bearcat

Georgia Rose Phillips | Christy Newman
Episode 2

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. 

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. Available also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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Three Wild Dogs and the Truth
Markus Zusak | Brigitta Olubas
Episode 3
Dialog
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ADA109 Podcast Program 2025 Social Insta 1080x1920 v24

Three Wild Dogs and the Truth

Markus Zusak | Brigitta Olubas
Episode 3

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. Available also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.


Discover

The Persian Film Festival Australia and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture have established a three-year partnership, with ADA supporting the festival as a key cultural sponsor. The collaboration aligns with ADA’s commitment to creativity, global perspectives and socially engaged storytelling, while strengthening connections between the university and the wider arts community. Through this partnership, ADA will support the festival’s platform for bold, independent Iranian and Persian-language cinema, amplifying diverse voices and fostering dialogue around culture, resilience and inclusion.

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UNSW Sydney has won the 2026 Academic Esports World Tournament, a unique global event where academic excellence meets competitive gaming.  

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Del Kathryn Barton

Artist, Director

Del is a celebrated Australian visual artist. She is a two-time Archibald Prize Winner, and is also the writer-director of the feature film Blaze.

Find out about Del’s journey to becoming a visual artist and director.

See Del's story

As anti-diversity rhetoric gains traction globally, its echoes in Australia pose a growing threat to LGBTQIA+ communities. But history reminds us: collective strength can’t be silenced.

Listen Professor Christy Newman discuss why solidarity, allyship and speaking out are more crucial than ever.

Watch here

Despite the rush of technological breakthroughs, we find ourselves drifting into a crisis of connection, profound loneliness and division. Nevena Krups takes us on a heartfelt journey, revealing how the ancient and seemingly simple art of friendship can serve as a powerful source to bridge divides and heal a fragmented society. Drawing from her poignant experiences in former Yugoslavia, Krups illuminates how true friendship, with its embrace of differences and commitment to understanding, can transform political landscapes and infuse our world with essential humanness.

Watch the talk

In 2026, ADA are delighted to partner with the National Indian Film Festival of Australia. The Festival returns this year on an unprecedented scale, spanning more than 13 cities and presenting 32 films across 18 Indian languages. Every title in the official selection will screen as an Australian, international or world premiere, reflecting the festival’s growing global significance. 

Find out more

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