From 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 fortnightly as we chat all things literary.

For more information visit the MQ Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature webpage.
​The Macquarie Student Writers’ Festival features author interviews and literary podcasts created by students enrolled in the English Major, Creative Writing Major, and the Master of Creative Writing. Read the latest issue of The Quarry, our students’ creative writing magazine.

Created especially for high school students and teachers, the HSC Enrichment Sessions feature Macquarie University academics discussing various HSC texts, authors and topics that fall within their area of expertise. 

LATEST PODCAST EPISODES

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Join Michelle as she discusses Susan Francis's new novel Revelation Beach. The novel unflinchingly searches for answers to the brutal murders of the journalists known as the Balibo Five; its publication date coincides with the 50th Anniversary of their deaths. Revelation Beach is Susan Francis's second book. Her first, The Love that Remains was a Varuna PIP finalist.
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Stephanie Russo talks to the bestselling novelist Lev Grossman about his 2024 novel The Bright Sword, a retelling of the Arthurian legends after the death of King Arthur.
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Stephanie Russo chats with Ellie Crookes about her upcoming book, Joans of Arc Worldwide.
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For this episode, Michelle is thrilled to interview the 2024 Penguin Literary Prize winner and recent Macquarie University Master of Creative Writing graduate on her fantastic new novel, The Occupation. This recording is part of Chloe's book launch event held at Macquarie University on 5th August 2025.