“Your song is absolutely amazing!”~ Santana Alma
See the FULL EPISODE on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/04dz32GPb1tn9aWGV4t7F5
S: 2 E: 35 Paul Rushworth-Brown: Outback Odyssey
Paul Rushworth-Brown is an English-born Australian novelist whose work doesn’t just entertain, it confronts. His latest book, Outback Odyssey, takes readers deep into the raw beauty and brutality of 1950s Australia. What begins as an outback adventure soon becomes a deeply moving, allegorical exploration of Australia’s colonial legacy, First Nations’ resilience, and the silence that still lingers around reconciliation. This amazing conversation about Australia’s history and relationship with its First Nation’s inhabitants lay the groundwork for Rex inspired performance of his own “Little Song” in an episode that people from all cultures will enjoy and relate to.
Paul Rushworth-Brown is an English-born Australian novelist whose work doesn’t just entertain, it confronts. Known for transforming historical fiction into a powerful form of truth-telling, Paul writes gritty, emotionally charged stories that challenge the myths. His novels are packed with unexpected twists, stirring romance, and endings you never see coming, because real history rarely wraps up neatly.
His latest book, Outback Odyssey, takes readers deep into the raw beauty and brutality of 1950s Australia. When a young Yorkshire migrant is abandoned in the outback and taken in by a First Nations clan, the journey that follows is one of survival, cultural awakening, and painful reckoning. What begins as an outback adventure soon becomes a deeply moving, allegorical exploration of Australia’s colonial legacy, First Nations’ resilience, and the silence that still lingers around reconciliation.
Paul’s storytelling is driven by meticulous research and a passion for truth. His previous novels, Skulduggery, Red Winter Journey, and Dream of Courage, have been praised for their immersive detail, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth. He’s been featured on the ABC, BBC, in Publisher’s Weekly, and on literary and cultural podcasts across the U.S., U.K., and Australia. His books consistently resonate with readers hungry for fiction that doesn’t flinch from hard truths but delivers them through gripping plots and complex, human drama.
As a guest, Paul brings wit, warmth, and an unapologetic perspective. He’s a natural storyteller, equally at home discussing post-colonial identity, the craft of historical fiction, or how to write characters that feel real across centuries. With Outback Odyssey now being reviewed for film adaptation, Paul is also a voice at the intersection of literature and screen, offering behind-the-scenes insight into adapting big, emotionally resonant stories for a global audience.
He also hosts Down Under Interviews and History Bards, where he dives into the stories behind the storytellers, bringing a seasoned interviewer’s touch and a unique understanding of what captivates listeners.
Paul’s journey from Yorkshire to the red dust of Australia mirrors the themes he writes about, displacement, identity, and the search for belonging. As an English-born Australian, he brings an outsider’s clarity and an insider’s heart to the cultural contradictions many Australians would rather avoid. That unique lens is what makes his fiction so compelling, and his interviews so impactful.
His work is especially timely in the wake of Australia’s failed Voice referendum, as national conversations around truth-telling, colonial history, and cultural inclusion grow louder, and more divisive. Through allegory and character, Paul dares to go where politicians and media often will not. His novels create space for empathy, discomfort, and ultimately, connection.
Whether you want to explore how fiction can reveal buried history, how to write unforgettable characters, or why Australia still struggles with its past, Paul brings honesty, warmth, and a spark of mischief to every conversation. His interviews are as thought-provoking as his novels, full of humour, insight, and the occasional curveball, just like the stories he tells.
Learn more about Paul and buy his books at: https://www.paulrushworthbrown.com
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