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, 2020•26 min
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, 2020•38 min
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, 2020•48 min
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, 2020•34 min
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, 2020•36 min
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, 2020•44 min
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, 2020•55 min
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, 2020•44 min
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, 2020•46 min
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, 2020•42 min
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, 2020•48 min
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, 2020•46 min
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, 2020•44 min
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, 2020•45 min
"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, 2020•44 min
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, 2020•45 min
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, 2020•49 min
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, 2020•40 min
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, 2020•4 min
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, 2020•50 min
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, 2020•41 min
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, 2020•40 min
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, 2020•37 min
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, 2020•41 min
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, 2020•41 min
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, 2020•51 min
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, 2020•43 min
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, 2020•29 min
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, 2020•51 min
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, 2020•47 min