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YA Podcast

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A podcast about YA lit and what it can teach us - at any age. Join us as we review new releases and revisit old classics. Produced by Teffer Adjemian for the Upford Network! To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast
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Episodes

116. Melanin in YA with Melody Simpson

This week, Melody Simpson of Melanin in YA joins Teffer to talk about her "no excuses database" of the YA publishing world. We talk about the recent surge of representation in YA, the experiences that led her to create this database, and what "no excuses" really means. melanininya.com twitter: @melaninin_ya ig: @melanininya Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! ht...

Dec 01, 202026 min

115. This Place: 150 Years Retold

Kadi and Teffer round off the month with a gorgeous new release. This is the first time we’ve reviewed a graphic novel on the show! We talk about history, reparations, and the developing Indigenous representation we hope to see in YA lit going forward. Also, we’re tired. Are you tired? This year has been rough. We talk about that, too. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodca...

Nov 24, 202038 min

114. Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston

This week, patron Maddy Dever joins Teffer to review Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston. We talk about coming of age, living in the shadow of our parents, emotional maturity, and the role of elders as we move through this visually stunning book. Follow Maddy on Twitter @MattJDever and check out their website at www.matthewdever.ca Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapo...

Nov 17, 202048 min

113. Ben Philippe Likes Trains: a Super-Special Bonus Interview

In this special bonus episode, Ben Philippe joins us for the second time! We talk about the process of writing a second book, trains, Pokémon, writing what you know, and his upcoming nonfiction debut. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us ...

Nov 13, 202034 min

112. Son Of A Trickster by Eden Robinson

This week, we continue our series of books by Indigenous authors with Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. We talk about whether or not it’s YA (and what that means), writing sadness while still writing hope, and what makes a good sex scene. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, ema...

Nov 10, 202036 min

111. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

All November, we’re reading books by Indigenous authors! We kick it off this week with a heartwarming YA romance. Is 6’3” the ideal heartthrob height? Can you ever separate the artist from the art- and should you? What the heck is a turkey trot? We answer all these, and more! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion...

Nov 03, 202044 min

110. A Brief History of Witches

To wrap up our Witchtober series, Kadi and Teffer talk about the history of witchcraft: where does our idea of “witch” come from? What sparked the witch hunts? And why are we so fascinated with witches in 2020? https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.myjewishlearning.com/article/witches-witchcraft/amp/ https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/07/witchcraft-economics-reformation-catholic-protestant-market-share https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.vice.com/amp/en/article/7x3jbq/the-tru...

Oct 27, 202055 min

109. These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling

What do you get when you mix a classic YA coming of age romance with a coven of powerful witches? We head to Salem with a chat about elemental magic, paranormal mystery, casual queers casually existing, and the fun of a magic system based in our familiar world! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To...

Oct 20, 202044 min

108. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

We continue Witchtober with a dark debut novel full of blood and magic. We’re talking about curses, plagues, and fever dream world building, with a significant detour into... cottagecore? Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast @t...

Oct 13, 202046 min

107. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

This week we’re kicking off a witch themed October with a thick fantasy tome! We’re talking about elemental magic, fantasy pacing, the fun of seeing a fantasy universe based in Asia, and necromancy as a good thing! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com o...

Oct 06, 202042 min

106. Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe

This week, we review Ben Philippe’s second book, Charming as a Verb! We’re talking about the pressure of university admissions, the subtlety of writing strong family dynamics, and how fun it is to see your hometown written in a book! Charming as a Verb is available for Pre-Order now! https://www.harpercollins.com/products/charming-as-a-verb-ben-philippe?variant=32116412809250 Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on...

Sep 29, 202048 min

105. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

This week, we’re talking about a childhood seagoing classic! One of us loves it, the other, not so much. We debate whether it’s really YA, talk about the difficulties of reading middle grade mystery as adults, and discuss the particular appeal of the open sea. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To ...

Sep 22, 202046 min

104. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

This week, we review the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. We’re talking about queer subtext, the unapologetic writing of a villain’s backstory, and what representation looks like when every character is evil. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theya...

Sep 15, 202044 min

103. Back to School Booklist

Bailey, Eunice and Teffer round up some of their favourite books for that back to school feeling! Do boarding school books just feel more school-y? What’s the difference between a school book and a summer book? Is autumn just a better time to read fantasy? We answer these questions and more! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up...

Sep 08, 202045 min

102. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer ft. Candice Pye

"He looks slimy but in a way that I'd put up with for jewelry" Is Edward an incel? Is Carlisle a zaddy? On this episode of YA, we decide—yes. Featuring longtime friend of the show Candice Pye (@candicepye) Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet a...

Sep 01, 202044 min

101. Series Review: The Babysitters Club (2020)

This week Eunice, Bailey and Teffer talk about the Netflix series adapted from the beloved Babysitters Club books. We share our opinions of the adaptation, which babysitters we most identify with, and what we hope for in season 2! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapod...

Aug 25, 202045 min

Episode 100!!

This week Kadi, Bailey and Teffer get together (virtually) to talk about the last 100 episodes, reminisce on our favourite parts, discuss how the show has changed and how it has changed us, and go over your messages and memories with lots of laughter, fun, and vampire boners. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion...

Aug 18, 202049 min

99. Sick Kids In Love by Hannah Moskowitz

This week, Teffer and Bailey talk about disability, boundaries, and medical bullshit in Sick Kids in Love, a book that provides much-needed representation of chronic illness in YA. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast @tefferbe...

Aug 11, 202040 min

100th Episode Celebration + Special Patreon Bonus Offer!

Teffer hops on for a quick announcement about our upcoming 100th episode and how YOU can get involved by sending us your favorite memories at theyapodcast@gmail.com, then talks about some great new offers over at patreon.com/yapodcast available now!

Aug 06, 20204 min

98. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

This week, Eunice and Teffer go on a trip down memory lane with a book we both read in highschool! We’re talking about romance, responsibility, grief, and Taylor Swift. Grab your low rise capris and impossibly long tank top because we’re heading to 2004! Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To sugges...

Aug 04, 202050 min

97. You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

This week, we’re looking at a book that puts a new spin on the geek-to-prom-Queen story. We talk about proms in general, our prom in particular, and where the idea of “highschool culture” comes from. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @...

Jul 28, 202041 min

96. A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

This week, we plunge into some magical realism, exploring a world where sirens, merpeople, and gargoyles inhabit Portland. This book feels extremely relevant right now; we talk about the role of fantasy in social commentary, the current protests and police violence in Portland, and the cohesive look Morrow takes at misogynoir through her world building. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.p...

Jul 21, 202040 min

95. Kristina Forest on Renovating a Genre

This week, Kristina Forest joins us for a conversation about why she writes YA, how she started out, and where she gets her inspiration. We talk about preserving the things she loves in YA while adding the representation the genre needs, some of the books that have inspired her, and what it really means to write a coming of age story. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcas...

Jul 14, 202037 min

94. Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest

This week is full of new stuff! We have a new host, Eunice Hong, and our first review of an upcoming release! We talk about the role of tropes in comfort reading, what makes an author an “automatic buy,” and how the YA landscape has improved since our highschool days. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=...

Jul 07, 202041 min

93. The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

This week, we’re talking about one of our favourite fantasy books to date. We get into different approaches to worldbuilding, and have a long conversation about the impact of the fantasy brothel trope on conversations about sex work. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theya...

Jun 30, 202041 min

92. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ft. Catherine Wresche

This week we wrap up our unexpectedly fraught Harry Potter read through! Patron Catherine Wresche (@cwresche) joins us to talk about watching characters grow, slut shaming in the magical world, and what exactly redemption looks like for Snape. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, e...

Jun 23, 202051 min

91. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ft. Catherine McGuire

This week, our patron Catherine joins us to talk about Snape, new views on old characters, and the complexity of liking Harry Potter while abhorring its author. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast @tefferbear @thebailzasaurus ...

Jun 16, 202043 min

Black Lives Matter

This week, we’re interrupting our scheduled content for a conversation about systemic racism in YA publishing. We’re also talking about some of our very favourite books by Black authors, and what we can do to encourage and amplify Black voices in YA! A big thank you to Andy Puth-Grey @cupcakeandy for letting us share his story. Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hp7nlP5UcH63FEl1kpPgxdO7Qw7iagcCTBfOPfPLuMg/edit?usp=sharing Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch...

Jun 09, 202029 min

90. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ft. Matt Dever

This week, Teffer is joined by patron Matt Dever to talk about Order of the Phoenix, spending a lot of time on Ginny, secondary characters, and the impact of seeing our heroes fall. Check out Matt's work here: https://matthewdever.ca Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast @tefferbear @thebailzasaurus @kadi__d Great Bear Music! greatbea...

Jun 02, 202051 min

89. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

We’re continuing our read through of Harry Potter with Goblet of Fire. Today, we talk about the bizarre ways this book portrays anyone who isn’t white and British, budding romance in Hogwarts, and what Harry’s type is (it’s not what you think!) Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yapodcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/up-for-discusssion?ref_id=2539 To suggest a book, email theyapodcast@gmail.com or tweet at us @yapodcast @tefferbear @thebailzasaurus @kadi__d Great Bear Musi...

May 26, 202047 min
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