For this edition of #BookCast, your hosts Garth Casbourn, Meghan Voll, and Scott Walters cover the unique writing of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, a tale based on a real and highly important Jewish prayer book told through fictional vignettes of its history. Hanna is a book conservator tasked with restoring a famous (and very real) copy of the Haggadah Jewish text that has experienced a tumultuous past. Blending actual history with fictional accounts of the text's origins and mysterious migrations through time, and telling the stories of the people, both real and imagined, that brought it to the present. We discuss the uncommon structure of this novel, the historic foundations of Brooks sweeping epic, and several of the principal themes. Join us in exploring what has been described as "an erudite Davinci Code".

This episode was recorded on June 4, 2025

Produced by Scott Walters

Theme song provided by https://freebeats.io/ Produced by White Hot

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview Natasha Beaudoin, a student in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. The MFA has both academic and production elements, which enables Natasha to pursue her interests, mixing traditional painting techniques with influences from social media, gaming, and digital culture. Natasha is inspired by the use of light in the works of the Italian renaissance painter Caravaggio (1571- 1610). While portraiture is sometimes associated with the past, Natasha would like to see this tradition continue. Natasha can be found on Instagram and her website is: https://tashaskates.wixsite.com/mysite Some of Natasha's paintings will be featured at Western's McIntosh Gallery, from June 6 to July 4, 2026. Recorded on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Produced by Mark Ambrogio Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

This week, hosts Anthony Cruz and Mark Ambrogio interview Aoife Hawthorne, a master's student in Western's Curriculum Studies program in the Faculty of Education. Aoife's research focuses on teacher attrition and how different factors like courses taught, funding, and even postal code affect likelihood to remain in a teaching position.

On top of her research, Aoife, Mark, and Anthony discuss their experiences in elementary and high school, the Irish teaching system, and how getting involved on campus can lead to a greater sense of belonging in our own educational environments. Tune in to learn more!

Recorded on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr

Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by White Hot)

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview Meghan Voll, a PhD candidate in Media Studies here at Western University. GradCast listeners will recognize Meghan's voice, as Meghan served as a long-time host and Social Media Manager for this show. This is Meghan's second time with us as a guest, as she approaches the conclusion of her doctorate, for those interested, Meghan's first episode, as a guest, can be heard here. Meghan studies the interaction between economic value and values on mobile dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel, drawing from the political economy of communication, mobile dating studies (MDS) and critical data studies (CDS). Ryan and Mark engage with Meghan on these ideas, asking about the intersection between so-called "soft values" (such as honesty and loyalty) and economic value ($). They also ask Meghan about her field research, interviewing human subjects, and the steps involved in obtaining ethics approval.

Recorded on Tuesday, November 5, 2025 Produced by Mark Ambrogio and Kelly Wang Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

This week on GradCast, hosts Garth Casbourn and Bruno Mesquita are joined by Carlos Eduardo Barzotto, a PhD Student in Western's Department of Education. Carlos investigates how anti-gender movements in Brazil and Canada use transnational rhetoric to undermine inclusive education and LGBTQIA+ rights. Through his research, he reveals how these movements operate across national contexts and highlights ways to foster safer, more equitable educational environments. Listen to learn more!

Recorded on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Produced by Milan Mammen. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).

This week on GradCast, hosts Maris Schneider and Milan Mammen are joined by Sydney Brouillard-Coyle, a PhD Student in Western's Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Sydney researches the importance of creative arts to trans and gender-diverse individuals. Sydney also discusses nir activism in the queer community, including the development of Rainbow Allyship and the publication of nir book, A Pocket Guide to Pronouns. Listen to learn more! You can find even more about Sydney's work at nir website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Recorded on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Produced by Anthony Cruz. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).

This week, hosts Maris Schneider and Anthony Cruz discuss one of the most daunting aspects of being a graduate student, publishing. The team walk through key parts of the publishing process and how speed bumps can occur along the way. The GradCast team have reached out to ask for reviewer comments from the broader graduate student audience to share on this timely Halloween episode. Join us to reflect on the publishing process and discuss reviewer comments in horror.

Recorded on August 5, 2025

Produced by Bruno Mesquita and Maria Khan

Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

Sound effects sourced from Scott Arc (Spotted! & Hallowed Ground) and Leigh Haggerwood (Werewolf & The Scarecrow)

This week, hosts Anthony Cruz and Mark Ambrogio are joined by Milan Mammen, a first-year master's student in Western's department of biochemistry. Milan's research focuses on how nonsense suppressor tRNAs may be used to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe type of muscular dystrophy that has severe negative impacts on a person's movement capabilities. Listen to learn more about Milan's research!

Recorded on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).