The days are starting to get shorter, the air cooler. What better time to pick up a new book, start a new podcast, or watch a new show? Better yet, cozy up with work by UO alumni! From thought-provoking nonfiction to compelling novels, and fascinating podcast episodes featuring fellow Ducks, this list includes eight creative works to check out this fall.
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By Osawese Agbonkonkon, class of 2027
Osawese Agbonkonkon is not only a published author—he’s also a full-time student and a track and field athlete. After beginning his education at the University of Oregon, he took his talents to the University of Texas at Austin, where he’s pursuing an economics degree, competing in the long jump, and writing stories. Psychic Suit, Agbonkonkon’s first published book, is a cinematic, science-fiction novel that features powers from an extraterrestrial metal, threats from a terrorist organization, and a challenge for the specially powered Psychics to defend and protect. This book promises to be entertaining and thought-provoking.
By Lauren Marie Fleming, JD ’11
Lauren Marie Fleming’s Because Fat Girl is a contemporary romance novel offering a happily-ever-after for anyone who has ever felt too big, too queer, or like they don’t belong. The protagonist, Diana Smith, dreams of making a directorial debut in Hollywood, but grief forces her to take a step back, and she instead moves to the suburbs. As a fat, queer woman, she never expects to fall for an action star. Suddenly, doors start to open for the writer and filmmaker, and she’s presented with the opportunity to impact an industry often resistant to change. In an interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, Fleming said the book was inspired, in part, by a dream where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson asked Fleming out—and she turned him down. The novel covers a range of themes including identity, sexual fluidity, fatphobia, and homophobia—while also showcasing the power of joy and love for all people.
By Miriam Gershow, MFA ’02 (creative writing)
If you’re looking for a fictional book that offers real-world perspectives, Miriam Gershow’s Closer is insightful, thought-provoking, and complex. Set in 2015 in the fictional town of Horace, Oregon, the story is centered around the aftermath of white students taunting a Black student, and subsequently, the death of a student. Exploring themes like community, resilience, and collectivism, the novel offers a reflection point on how people grapple with racism, relationship strains, and tragedy.
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Global Development Interrupted podcast
By Leah Petit, BA ’05 (international studies)
Leah Petit has devoted her career to public service and international development—and now she’s telling the human stories of U.S. foreign assistance through her Global Development Interrupted podcast. After graduation from the UO, Petit joined the Peace Corps, spending time in Cameroon. She then spent nearly two decades in global health and development across Africa, working for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation and subsequently, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). After USAID was dismantled, Petit decided to start Global Development Interrupted to highlight the personal stories and successes of those working in foreign assistance. The podcast launched in August, and Petit has released four episodes, so far.
This is Oregon Podcast: Coming full circle at the Big Ten Championship
Featuring Keely McMahon, BS ’23 (journalism)
Keely McMahon, UO School of Journalism and Communication alum, sat down on the This is Oregon podcast earlier this year, sharing how her UO experience prepared her for success. McMahon works as a social strategist at advertising agency, Deutsh, supporting the Dr Pepper brand, and had the opportunity to work behind-the-scenes at the Big Ten Championship in December 2024. Discover the role she played and learn about her college and career journey on the UO’s This is Oregon podcast.
One Cool Story podcast: Alex Horwitch, Viral Video Virtuoso & PR Alum ’12
Featuring Alex Horwitch, BA ’12 (public relations)
UO alumnus Alex Horwitch, director of digital marketing for DreamWorks Animation, joined the School of Journalism and Communication’s One Cool Story podcast to share his success and how the UO helped him get there. After going viral online with his a capella group, Horwitch’s career took off. Give this episode a listen to discover how internet fame and a social media class helped him land where he is today.
Just Want to Feel Good (feat. Eyalu)
Song by Michael James Zimmerman, BS ’06 (music)
Multi-instrumentalist and modern songwriter Michael James Zimmerman releases new music every month online. Zimmerman came to the UO with a relentless passion for music and technology. After earning his degree in music, Zimmerman began teaching guitar, piano, and percussion in Arizona, while continuing to compose, record, and perform. In addition to teaching and creating music, he works as the music director for the Center for Spiritual Living Tuscon.
Watch
The Fall of the House of Usher
Written and produced, in part, by Mat Johnson, UO professor
The Fall of the House of Usher might sound like a familiar show, and it comes with a familiar name. Mat Johnson, Philip H. Knight Chair of the Humanities and a professor in the comics and cartoon studies, creative writing, and English programs, co-wrote the script for episode four, “The Black Cat.” The Fall of the House of Usher, a horror series inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s work, debuted on Netflix in 2023. Johnson, who has also authored a number of novels and comics, shared how his experience with screenwriting looked different than his other work in an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting.