I started listening to podcasts in 2006 by downloading episodes of Mugglecast onto my old MP3 player. It was my favorite way to explore new fan theories and stay connected to the Harry Potter fandom. All these years later, I still love listening to podcasts to stay connected to the book community. Listening in on conversations about books I love or interviews with favorite authors has been an excellent way to pass the time, find comfort and stay connected, especially during these past few months.
Here are five of the best YA book themed podcasts I have been listening to during quarantine.
1. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
What if we read the books we love as if they were sacred texts? This question guided Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile to reread the Harry Potter series while searching for wisdom and guidance in its pages. In each episode, they revisit a chapter from the HP series examining themes such as chance, celebration or curiosity. By trusting the text, reading with ritual and sharing with their listening community, they’ve found new moments of enlightenment from old pages.
Listen here.
5-Star Review:
“What a comfort this podcast has been to me over the past couple of months with the pandemic, as I listen on my commute to and from the hospital where I work… the hosts take the stories to a deeper level with grace, insight and humor.”— MeganGoode18,
2. Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr
With academic backgrounds in literature and film studies, hosts Brenna Clarke Gray and Joe Lipsett break down both current and classic young adult stories and their filmic adaptations. Bonus episodes include reviews, recommendations and commentary on the field on YA books and film. Part of the podcast’s mandate is to highlight the work of Canadian YA writers, so you’re sure to hear about some new and exciting projects along the way.
Listen here.
5-Star Review:
“Come for the analysis, stay for the delightful banter.”– Jes Battis
“A perfect balance of humour and serious stuff”– Lonesomeheroine
3. The Anthropocene Reviewed
Popular young adult author John Green (The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down) “reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale”. These are essentially audio essays, telling the histories of such phenomena from Hawaiian Pizza to Scratch ’n’ Sniff Stickers to Love at First Sight. Drawing deep meaning out of the mundane and the abstract, it will change the way you think about the world around you. This is John Green at his best.
Listen here.
5-Star Review:
“This podcast is fantastic. It always leaves me smiling, feeling contemplative and connected in our humanity.”— shelbybaker09
4. First Draft with Sarah Enni
A place for excellent conversation. Host Sarah Enni, author of Tell Me Everything, talks to “storytellers about how their art informs their lives”. Her experiences as a writer are what makes Sarah an expert interviewer, knowing just what questions to ask to help listeners really understand the creative processes of their favorite authors. Her guest list includes some of the biggest names in young adult publishing including Cassandra Clare, Victoria Aveyard and Jason Reynolds. Part of Sarah’s aim is to “provide more transparency about the professional side of artistic endeavours” making this podcast a must listen for aspiring young adult writers.
Listen here.
5-Star Review
“Sarah is a gifted interviewer whose laid back style makes you feel as though you’re listening in on a couple of author friends chatting over coffee. Well done and entertaining with an interesting variety of guests.”— JLucyBry
5. Bookmarked: A YA Book Podcast
Did you know Bookstacked has its very own podcast? Bookmarked: A YA Book Podcast delivers monthly discussion about the YA reading life including all the latest news in popular books and authors (keep your eyes peeled for our Hunger Games Prequel preview). The show is hosted by the news, reviews and feature writers from Bookstacked. Come join us for a great time and a good laugh!
Listen here.
5-Star Review:
“I’ve been following this pod for a couple years and have always enjoyed the casual and relaxed conversations.”— TheActualCalebMartell
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