Digital Nomads podcast on Dune

Podcast Interview on Fremen in Dune

It was a pleasure to be interviewed on the Digital Nomads podcast and explore the oft-neglected Fremen characters in Frank Herbert’s Dune! We discussed some of the cultures and histories that influenced Herbert and helped create a multi-layered science fiction work that rewards re-readings. Check out the Digital Nomads podcast episode “The Fremen in Dune” here.

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Women's Agency in the Dune Universe book cover

Book Release

My book on women in Frank Herbert’s Dune series has been published! Women’s Agency in the Dune Universe: Tracing Women’s Liberation through Science Fiction is the first major study of the female characters of the Bene Gesserit. Check out the press release and the virtual book launch (recording). Please visit the Publications page to find links to purchase (and the latest coupon codes) that support me as the author.

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Newspaper headline for interview on Frank Herbert's Dune

Newspaper Interview and Illustrations

My first newspaper interview on my research on Frank Herbert’s Dune series has hit the press, including a preview of some of my book’s illustrations: “What makes a world work? Exploring the groundbreaking universe of Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’“. Thanks to David Herkt and the Sunday Star Times for the opportunity to share some of my work with the public.

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Gertrude Bell with King Faisal and company at picnic in 1922

Gertrude Bell and Jessica of Dune: Influencers in the Halls of Power

The parallels between the life of Gertrude Bell, British archaeologist and writer, and the character Lady Jessica in Frank Herbert’s Dune make for an interesting study of how women can successfully carry themselves in unfamiliar territory and exert influence. Although T.E. Lawrence (1888 – 1935) is more well-known, in no small part due to the popular movie based on his time in the Middle East (Lawrence of Arabia (1962)), Gertrude Bell (1868 – 1926) was a significant Western figure in the Middle East in the 20th century and arguably more extraordinary in terms of her influence. Known as a queen or daughter of

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Dune Talk podcast video title card

Podcast Interview on the Bene Gesserit of Dune

I’ve been researching and writing about the women of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood of Frank Herbert’s Dune for a while, but haven’t had the opportunity to discuss it verbally much outside of conferences. So I was appreciative of Dune Talk – A Dune News Net Show for the chance to be interviewed on their podcast and talk about my favorite topic and aspects of analysis from my forthcoming book on Dune, based on my PhD research. We also talked about the new Dune film and our thoughts on how it will handle the characterization of key women in its adaptation. I hope people

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