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 Canadian Ku Klux Klan, family loyalties, and a world on the brink of upheaval.

In this conversation, we dive into Carissa’s journey from nonfiction to fiction, how she blends historical research with compelling storytelling, and the ways that place, politics, and community shape her work. Fans of historical fiction and rich, character-driven stories will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.

You can learn more about Carissa and Revolution Songs at carissahalton.com.

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

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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 passionate about crafting narratives that focus on the relationship to the landscapes around us.

Recorded as part of the Beyond the Pages webinar series, this conversation takes listeners deeper into Kerr’s creative practice—his approach to storytelling, his reflections on Métis identity and community, and the ways the Prairies shape his characters, their choices, and their futures.

You can find Conor's book at your favourite local bookstore.

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

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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 continues to shape her creative journey, why mentoring young writers matters to her, and how she finds meaning in the connections that words can create.

You can find Lauren's award-winning novel-in-verse, Light Enough to Float, at Audreys Books in Edmonton and at other local and online bookstores.

Trigger Warning
This episode delves into sensitive themes explored in Light Enough to Float by Lauren Seal. Our conversation includes discussions of disordered eating, anorexia, and self-harm, as well as the emotional impacts surrounding these experiences. These topics may be distressing for some listeners.

Please take care while listening, and feel free to step away at any time. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to local mental health resources or crisis support services for help.

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

Follow @UAlbertaAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.