U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories

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.

All Episodes

U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories

Gavin Bradley

January 29, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 4

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 Festival. Recently, he received the University of Alberta Alumni Horizon Award recognizing the outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the community of University of Alberta graduates. You can follow him at: gavinbradleywrites.ca or on Instagram @gavinbradleywrites

In this episode, we’ll talk about Separation Anxiety, how science shapes his creative voice, and about the connections between place, time, and identity that run through his writing.

This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.