Jen Sookfong Lee - Podcast Details

Shows

Sley House Presents Episode #171: The Hunger We Pass Down with Jen Sookfong LeeTrevor is joined by author and editor Jen Sookfong Lee to talk about her new novel The Hunger We Pass Down. Jen talks with Trevor about immigrant families, about historical and personal traumas and how they affect our lives, and dealing with how trauma is held.You can find more about Jen Sookfong Lee at sookfong.com and you can get The Hunger We Pass Down now at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-10-1643 min

Canada Reads American Style Interview - Jen Sookfong Lee and The Hunger We Pass DownTara speaks with Canadian author Jen Sookfong Lee regarding her latest novel, The Hunger We Pass Down, which is available September 30, 2025 from Erewhon Books. Jen was born and raised in Vancouver's East Side and now lives with her son in North Burnaby. Her memoir, Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart, was a finalist for the 2024 Forest of Reading Evergreen Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award, was named a best book of 2023 by the Globe and Mail and Apple Books Canada, and was a Today Show recommended read. Jen is also the author of The...

2025-09-1820 min

Q with Tom Power Jen Sookfong Lee explores the body horror of motherhoodGrowing up in a packed house on Vancouver’s east side with her mother and four sisters, Jen Sookfong Lee became fascinated with female relationships — specifically, the stories and secrets passed down between mothers and daughters. In her new novel, “The Hunger We Pass Down,” Jen turns this fascination into a ghost story that asks the question: can you ever outrun your family history? She joins guest host Talia Schlanger to talk about it.

2025-09-0823 min

On The Shelf with Honora Quinn It Was 1991. - Gentlemen of The Shade: My Own Private Idaho with Jen Sookfong LeeOn this week's special BONUS episode of On The Shelf, I got to speak with author, editor, and fellow podcast personality Jen Sookfong Lee about one of the hidden gems of her bibliography Gentlemen of The Shade: My Own Private Idaho. A short non-fiction book which details the life and legacy of Gus Van Sant's 1991 film of the same name. We dive into the book and movie at the core of this episode, of course, but also into Jen's life in writing thus far and how she has become the editor of the series this book belongs too. This...

2024-10-0147 min

Have You Heard About...Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart (Jen Sookfong Lee)When I first read Jen Sookfong Lee's thoughtful memoir 'Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart,' I knew I'd have to have her on the show. A fellow Vancouverite, Jen's memoir explores what it was like growing up in a Chinese-Canadian household, cleverly set against the lens of pop culture. We chat about what it was like growing up wanting to see more of yourself on screen, how kids of immigrants can use pop culture as a tool to navigate the world around them, why we should be paying more attention to the culture that informs us...

2024-08-2153 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 123 - Can't Lit - Triple Treat Book Launch!Welcome to the chaos of a book launch! Are all book launches like this? I hope so! The Triple Treat Book Launch took place on Sunday April 28th at beloved R&B Brewing. Jen Sookfong Lee was the host and books by Dina Del Bucchia (You're Gonna Love This), Daniel Zomparelli (Jump Scare) and Andrea Warner (The Time of My Life) were launched and feted and were sold by the amazing Iron Dog Books! Listen to Cynara Geissler read from Andrea's book while she recovers from surgery. Dina and Daniel read from their new books and also host three r...

2024-05-011h 30 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 121 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - What's the Point?Hello listeners! Dina & Jen are chatting about stuff. Again! This time they're in conversation about the point. What is it? Like, really, what's the point? From writing in general, to specific projects to what they think the point of their own work might be they get down and dirty in the bog of self-doubt and self-loathing, confusion, and some ways they get out of it. So get a tall glass of bog water by your side and listen to this episode! Transcript available here.

2024-02-261h 06 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 120 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Lies Writers Have Told UsWelcome to 2024! WOW! Can you believe it? Feels like the future. Sort of. I don't even know. DIna and Jen catch up and talk about raccoons and aquatic mammals and dog poop! Then they get into the books and stuff by telling tales and discussing lies they've been told by other writers. The untruths, the blanket statements, the one and only way to write. Listen in to hear our iles! We're sure you've heard your own lies too.

2024-01-2958 min

What Happened Next: a podcast about newish books Jen Sookfong LeeMy guest on this episode is Jen Sookfong Lee. Jen is the author of three acclaimed novels, four works for children, a collection of poetry, and two works of non-fiction, including Gentlemen Of The Shade, about the movie My Own Private Idaho, and her most recent book, Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke my Heart, which was published by McClelland and Stewart in 2023. Jen is also works as an acquiring editor for ECW Press, and is the co-editor, with Stacey May Fowles, of two essay anthologies, Whatever Gets You Through and Good Mom on Paper.Superfan is finalist...

2024-01-1537 min

TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart The superfan generation: Jen Sookfong LeeEveryone has a relationship to pop culture. Whether you're a casual fan or superfan of your favourite actor, musician or athlete, we all have interests that connect us. Throughout her life, Jen Sookfong Lee has seen how Canadian pop culture staples, such as Hockey Night in Canada, can create community across different walks of life. On this week's episode, Jen discusses her memoir Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart and how pop culture reflects our society.

2024-01-0933 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 119 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - CHAOSYes, it's true. We've been on an unplanned hiatus. But we're back and this episode is (basically) the chaos episode. We have no theme and we're talking about whatever we want! Britney, protests, IBS. This episode has it all! Listen now, if you dare!

2023-11-271h 05

Reframeables Reframing Trauma Through Pop Culture with Jen Sookfong LeePop culture is supposed to be light — downright breezy. Or, as we discovered in our conversation with celebrated Canadian author Jen Sookfong Lee, it can be something more: a bridge to navigating the complexities of intergenerational trauma, reckoning with one’s place in the world, and, perhaps most poignantly, facing the self. We hope you are able to take Jen’s pop culture wisdom and use it to help you reframe some of your own self-work — we did!Jen Sookfong Lee describes herself as one who “writes, edits, and sometimes sings badly on a podcast.” She is a familiar v...

2023-10-1854 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 118 - Can't Lit - Nathan WhitlockHello! If you love summer, like Dina, you're probably sad it's coming to a close sooner rather than later. If you hate summer, like Jen, you're probably relieved! But no matter what the season, Can't Lit is here for you. And this month we talk to the one and only, author and podcaster (authors and podcasters, they're just like us because they are us!), Nathan Whitlock! We talk about his new novel, Lump (out now with Dundurn Press), guerrilla book marketing, dark humour and writing, the process of working with a sensitivity reader, and Jen compares Nathan to Jane A...

2023-08-281h 37

The Balanced Creative 1.14 - Show Me the Money! Making a living as a creative with guest Jen Sookfong LeeIn today’s episode of The Balanced Creative I am excited to chat with author editor extraordinaire, Jen Sookfong Lee about all things writing and money: Where does our ‘writing' income come from? What are all the ways we can make money from our books aside from just book sales? How can we get excited about money? You don't wanna miss this one! JEN SOOKFONG LEE was born and raised in Vancouver’s East Side, and she now lives with her son in North...

2023-08-0741 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 117 - Can't Lit - Some of Our Favourite ThingsSummer is here and so are we! Dina and Jen get together IN PERSON! To catch up and chat about some of their favourite "books and stuff" things. Rosie is excited. They also talk about their health issues, the Barbie movie, Joyride, and why there should be pockets just for olives!

2023-07-3156 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 116 - Can't Lit - Andrew F. SullivanHello listeners! We are here again with incredible guest, Andrew F. Sullivan! We love him, (and his dog and his wife) and his new novel, The Marigold. We talk about real estate monsters, writing horror, and so much more! We have a delightful time! And of course, your favourite Dina & Jen segments are here to make you feel and rage! Iggy wants you to listen to this episode.

2023-05-291h 16

The Women Of Ill Repute Jen Sookfong Lee: SuperfanJen Sookfong Lee makes no apologies: she’s a superfan. That’s the name of her latest book, a deeply personal compilation of essays on how her life has been touched and affected by the likes of Anne of Green Gables, Princess Diana, Amy Tan, sensitive white boys like John Cusack, the Biebers, the Kardashians and, inevitably, Gwyneth. The truth is these icons resonate with all of us, even Wendy, who admits to knowing nothing about pop culture. Jen joins us to talk about all that, being Asian Canadian, a single mother, a more than decent writer, and an admi...

2023-05-1638 min

Dear Lonely Writer 29 - Not Everyone Will Understand Why You Do It, Do It Anyway with guest, JEN SOOKFONG LEEOn today’s episode of DEAR LONELY WRITER our host, Eden Boudreau talks with award winning author Jen Sookfong Lee about her latest memoir SUPERFAN: HOW POP CULTURE BROKE MY HEART, a TODAY SHOW recommended read and one of the most highly anticipated books of Spring 2023. They talk about this beautiful memoir, as well as breaking through cultural glass ceilings, imposter syndrome, circular writing structure and all things pop culture goodness. To learn more about Jen and her books, find her on socials: Twitter: @JenSookfongLee Instagram: @jenleefur Website: http://sookfong.com/ Don't forget to follow the show at: Twitter: @LonelyWriterPod Ins...

2023-03-2036 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 113 - Can't Lit - Emily RiddleHello! This month we have the incredible writer, artist and library professional Emily Riddle! We talk about her wonderful poetry collection The Big Melt, tattoos, the importance of friendships, her luring people to Edmonton, and a lot of talk of snacks. As usual! There are some big laughs, and Emily saying some very insightful things, of course, Jen being very real in her emotion corner and Dina hates the horrible Spence Diamond ads on the radio.

2023-02-281h 06 $Can\'t Lit$

2023-02-2734 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 112 - Can't Lit - The Superfan Talk Show! Live!Hello listeners! And Happy New Year! This month we present a special treat: a recording of Jen's Vancouver launch of Superfan, at The Refinery on January 29th, 2023. Dina hosts, Jen reads, then Dina asks Jen some real hard hitting questions! And there are multiple special guests! Andrea Warner and Shawn Hitchins tell Jen their pop culture nightmares, and she does some pop culture therapy with them. David Ly and Doretta Lau are subjected to Dina's Superfan Quiz Show! And finally, out musical guests, A Giant Woman (Cynara Geissler and Hannah McGregor) treat everyone to the Gwyneth/Huey ukulele cover...

2023-01-3052 min

thecommentary.ca Jen Sookfong LeeThe author and editor Jen Sookfong Lee discusses her new memoir Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart (McClelland & Stewart, 2023), with Joseph Planta. Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart by Jen Sookfong Lee (McClelland & Stewart, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Superfan Text of introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Jen Sookfong Lee joins me again. She’s just published a memoir, Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart. It’s a th...

2023-01-2638 min

Relish Into A Award-Winning Full Audiobook This Weekend.Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir by Jen Sookfong LeePlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/587655to listen full audiobooks. Title: Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir Author: Jen Sookfong Lee Narrator: Jen Sookfong Lee Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 17 minutes Release date: January 17, 2023 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Social Science Publisher's Summary: Finalist for the 2024 Forest of Reading Evergreen Book Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award. Named a Best Book of 2023 by the Globe and Mail and Apple Books Canada A TODAY Show Recommended Read This beautifully intimate memoir-in-pieces uses one woman's life-long love affair with pop culture as a revelatory lens...

2023-01-178h 17

Absorb The Most Unforgettable Full Audiobook Today!Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir by Jen Sookfong LeePlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/587655to listen full audiobooks. Title: Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir Author: Jen Sookfong Lee Narrator: Jen Sookfong Lee Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 17 minutes Release date: January 17, 2023 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Women Publisher's Summary: Finalist for the 2024 Forest of Reading Evergreen Book Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award. Named a Best Book of 2023 by the Globe and Mail and Apple Books Canada A TODAY Show Recommended Read This beautifully intimate memoir-in-pieces uses one woman's life-long love affair with pop culture as a revelatory lens to...

2023-01-178h 17

Download Best Full Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir, Women Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir by Jen Sookfong LeePlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/587655to listen full audiobooks. Title: Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir Author: Jen Sookfong Lee Narrator: Jen Sookfong Lee Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 17 minutes Release date: January 17, 2023 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Women Publisher's Summary: Finalist for the 2024 Forest of Reading Evergreen Book Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award. Named a Best Book of 2023 by the Globe and Mail and Apple Books Canada A TODAY Show Recommended Read This beautifully intimate memoir-in-pieces uses one woman's life-long love affair with pop culture as a revelatory lens to...

2023-01-178h 17

Unlock Top Full Audiobooks in Non-Fiction, Social Science Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir by Jen Sookfong LeePlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/587655to listen full audiobooks. Title: Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir Author: Jen Sookfong Lee Narrator: Jen Sookfong Lee Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 17 minutes Release date: January 17, 2023 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Social Science Publisher's Summary: Finalist for the 2024 Forest of Reading Evergreen Book Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award. Named a Best Book of 2023 by the Globe and Mail and Apple Books Canada A TODAY Show Recommended Read This beautifully intimate memoir-in-pieces uses one woman's life-long love affair with pop culture as a revelatory lens...

2023-01-178h 17 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 111- Can't Lit - Live with Hannah McGregor!Happy Holidays! We talk to friend of the podcast, Hannah McGregor about her new book, A Sentimental Education, and so much more! INCLUDING: Jen tells us her perfect lipstick application process Cocktail, weed and mushroom delivery The White Lotus (Jen's favourite characters might surprise you) Dina wants you to watch Enlightened! Hannah has some Emily of New Moon feelings Our highs and lows of 2022 And Dina makes Hannah and Jen play a Cozy Christmas Mystery Quiz Someone burps really loud! It was Dina Dina talks a lot about Jennifer Coolidge Hannah's perfect "What Can't You With" A...

2022-12-191h 37

These Mums Write Jen Sookfong Lee and Stacey May Fowles on why writing about creativity and motherhood matters more than everDoes being a mom mean you can't be a writer? How does motherhood enhance the creative process? Or challenge it? Jen Sookfong Lee and Stacey May Fowles are moms, award winning writers and the editors of a recently released anthology which explores these questions. Good Mom on Paper: Writers on Creativity and Motherhood was published in May, 2022, by Book Hug Press. In this episode Jen and Stacey share the challenges they have faced in the literary world as mom writers, how their writing has changed as a result of motherhood and wisdom for other navigating...

2022-11-2151 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 109 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Asking Each OtherHello! We are here for the last episode of summer! Dina and Jen go sans-guest, not sans-fards, and talk to each other about literally whatever they feel like! Both prepared questions the other had no idea about. Topics include: writing stuff, emotion stuff and fashion trend stuff! But what stuff? Better listen to find out!

2022-08-2952 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 107 - Can't Lit - Francine CunninghamHello! It's short story month and we talk to the multi-talented poet, writer and all around lovely person, Francine Cunnnigham about her new short story collection, God Isn't Here Today (Invisible Publishing 2022), how she writes character, how darkness and humour work together and what she's got coming up next. Jen gives some emotionally astute advice/thoughts and Dina talks about HEMORRHOIDS! Find out more about Francine at https://www.francinecunningham.ca/.

2022-05-301h 05

thecommentary.ca Jen Sookfong LeeThe author and editor Jen Sookfong Lee discusses the new collection she’s co-edited with Stacey May Fowles, Good Mom on Paper: Writers on Creativity and Motherhood (Book*hug Press, 2022), with Joseph Planta. Good Mom on Paper: Writers on Creativity and Motherhood edited by Stacey May Fowles and Jen Sookfong Lee (Book*hug Press, 2022). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Good Mom on Paper Text of introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Je...

2022-05-2729 min

2022-05-2729 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 106 - Can't Lit Live! with Jason Purcell, Jónína Kirton & Tolu OloruntobaHappy Poetry Month! Sure, we waited until the end of the month to record out latest episode, but it's a pure poetry delight with three absolute superstar poets: Jason Purcell, Jónína Kirton and Tolu Oloruntoba. We talk about their new books, Purcell's Swollening (Arsenal Pulp Press), Kirton's Standing in a River of Time (Talonbooks) and Oloruntoba's Each One a Furnace. In addition to three stellar interviews Dina gets Jen, Jason, Tolu and Jónína to play a game of Name that Celebrity Poetry Book! Who will win?!

2022-04-291h 58

Yelling at concrete Episode 181 - Reclaiming your pop culture identity Feat Jen Sookfong LeeThis week I sit down with Author Jen Sookfong Lee who is an acclaimed writer and talented human being. She's a writer, broadcaster and all round interesting person as her work deals with identity and heritage and the stories woven by these struggles. This week we take a look at our own past with pop culture, different upbringings and experiences with meeting celebs and ask how do you know when you've made it enough that you need to begin to protect your public perception? But most of all we reconnect with the content and stories surrounding...

2022-02-1159 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 103- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen: Start Me UpHappy New Year! We're here to shout into mics for another year. In this episode Dina and Jen talk about getting back to writing, what it looks like, or doesn't, how they keep notes, and what gets them back into their manuscripts after time away. They also weigh in on some important celebrity news!

2022-01-3156 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 102- Can't Lit - Can't Lit Holiday Fun Times Live!Happy Holidays! Another live episode to celebrate the union of Can't Lit and Real Vancouver Writers' Series. Dina, Jen are joined by Sean Cranbury as co-host to talk about books we loved this year, what we want to leave behind in the literary world and what we want from 2022. And we're joined by special guests: Meghan Waitt, nathan dueck, Daniel Zomparelli, Dolina and Henry Del Bucchia! Listen, laugh, love! LOL! We love you all and wishing you the best, and Happy New Year! See you in 2022, kiddos!

2021-12-231h 33 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 101- Can't Lit - Ellie Sawatzky & Isabella WangTwo poets! You bet. In this episode Jen and Dina talk to debut poets, Ellie Sawatzky (None of this Belongs to Me) and Isabella Wang (Pebble Swing) about their new collections out now with Nightwood editions. There is chatting about going from chapbook to full length collection, paying tribute to poets that came before, and narrative poems. Jen is feeling her feelings and Dina is angry about some stuff and there is one very surprising What Can't You With.

2021-11-291h 18 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 100- Can't Lit - Can't Lit Live 100!Hello everyone! We finally made it to 100! This episode was recorded live in Crowdcast on October 22, 2021 and the guests were members of the audience. Daniel joined the regular hosts and Dina and Jen share 100 minutes of rage and emotion. Featuring appearances by: Sean Cranbury, Jenna Lyn Albert, Bianca Spence, Paul Vermeersch, Roxan Marucot, Cynara Geissler, Hannah McGregor, nathan dueck, Jake Byrne, Samantha Jones, Kelvin Kong and Meghan Waitt. Thanks for listening!

2021-10-251h 51 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 099- Can't Lit - Casey PlettIt's autumn and time to get cozy with a podcast. This episode we have the talented writer, editor, publisher and delight, Casey Plett! We talk about her new short story collection, A Dream of a Woman (Arsenal Pulp Press), writing with feeling, clothes, short story collection structure, and Wayne Gretzky branding. And to kick off the season, Dina makes Casey and Jen play Would You Rather: Fall Book Edition.

2021-09-271h 01 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 097 - Can't Lit - Dina & JenThis summer is real warm and his episode's hot topic: money! Dina and Jen talk about finances, crunching numbers, advances, events, and the strong feelings that go along with talking about what we're worth and what we're paid. The dogs are barking (Rosie and her friend Marty) and we open the show talking about one of our faves, Britney Spears.

2021-07-2659 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 096 - Can't Lit - Hilary AtleoSummer is here and so are we, in podcast form! And we are thrilled to talk to the wonderful, smart and very fun, Hilary Atleo from Iron Dog Books. We discuss bookselling in a pandemic and in general, book discovery and pricing and summer reads. Three booksellers chatting about books and the book stuff. What more could you want? How about Jen feeling some things and Dina raging about onions. And Hilary gives us another incredible What Can't You With? Listen up and listen in. Iron Dog Books: https://irondogbooks.com/

2021-06-281h 15 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 095 - Can't Lit - Sarah BermanHello pod friends! We are here with an excellent episode and our very wonderful guest, Sarah Berman! We talk about her book, Don't Call it a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of NXIVM. We talk about organizing research, the craft of non-fiction, writing about difficult subjects, and hugs in a half-vaxxed world. Jen is emotional about the pandemic, and Dina is angry about technology and food. And Sarah delivers one of the best "What Can't You With," answers in Can't Lit history. Thanks for listening!

2021-05-311h 09 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 094 - Can't Lit - Dina Interviews JenWe're back! And Jen has a new book of poetry (her debut!) so Dina interviews her about The Shadow List (Wolsak & Wynn, Buckrider Books), and we talk about voice, narrative, big feelings and pleather. And, if you missed emotions and rage, those are back too. Thanks for listening.

2021-04-261h 06

Page Fright: A Poetry Podcast 51. Mental Health Writing w/ Jen Sookfong LeeJen Sookfong Lee joins Andrew to talk community, winter, and mental health. Andrew gets Jen's permission to put a book down after 30 pages. It's a joy! ----- Listen to more episodes of Page Fright here. Follow the podcast on Twitter here. Follow the podcast on Instagram here. ----- Jen Sookfong Lee was born and raised in Vancouver’s East Side, and she now lives with her son in North Burnaby. Her books include The Conjoined, nominated for International Dublin Literary Award and a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, The Bet...

2021-03-3149 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 093 - Can't Lit - Top Ten 2020We made it through 2020! Good for us! Dina & Jen decide to look back on what they liked about the year, in a loose, literary-adjacent way. What is in their top ten? Listen to find out! Thanks for listening. We love you.

2020-12-3152 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 092 - Can't Lit - Dina & JenHello! In this episode Dina and Jen talk about writing in the year 2020. What's it like? Are we doing it? What's up with that? If you are or aren't writing we say good for you because everything is hard and also you deserve a break!

2020-11-3046 min

Call the Question Jen Sookfong Lee on writing, publishing, politics and the pandemicCTQ welcomes award-winning Canadian author Jen Sookfong Lee to the pod for a lively, wide-ranging discussion on her diverse body of work, the recent reckonings on race, gender and compensation in publishing (and society), and anti-Asian racism in the pandemic. Jen also shares her approach to social media (and how she uses humour and wit to deliver her message), her take on politics in this intensely political moment, and what the pandemic experience has challenged her to reflect on and reconsider.

2020-10-0644 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 090 - Can't Lit - Dina & JenHuge news! Not really. Well, we managed to record an episode! This time it's just Dina and Jen talking about the ugly, the bad and the good of literary stuff. We don't cover it all, but we cover some! And on the very good side we mention the authors and titles of some fall books we're very excited about. And there is talk of Rosie, Silver Springs and how we're doing right now. Spoiler: we're not great, we're fine-ish.

2020-09-2854 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 090 - Can't Lit - Daniel, Dina & JenHosts past, present and future are all together to talk about books and stuff. They get into summer time sweatiness, talking to dogs in Italian, and talk about some spring and summer books they've read and loved and some they want to get to reading. Nemesis updates are available!

2020-07-3158 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 089 - Can't Lit - David LyHello listeners! We have missed you. We're back with a bang and very wonderful guest, poet and human delight, David Ly! We talk about his debut poetry collection, Mythical Man, writing with transparency, mythical creatures, writing our experience and what we love about poetry. Links to stuff mentioned in the show: Black Resistance Vancouver Database: https://blackresistancevancouver.online/?fbclid=IwAR0YKR0X0o9CXRwqYD09Q_rfffVUy_9BaU50Kf8Pe1SkoDel3Zs3XxYY_hQb Hogan’s Alley Society: https://www.hogansalleysociety.org/ And check out the Brick Podcast put out by Brick Ma...

2020-06-291h 11 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit A Can't Lit UpdateHello friends! We miss you. Dina drops in to say hey what's up. More episodes soon. We promise. What does soon mean? Soon we'll know. xo

2020-05-0406 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 088 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - AdviceIn the first mini episode of the year Dina & Jen talk about advice. How to take it, how to give it, how to wade through the never-ending muck of it, and most importantly, how not to take advice that doesn't work for you.

2020-02-1041 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 087 - Can't Lit - Cynara GeisslerHappy 2020! Happy New Decade! Happy Year of the Metal Rat! And we're back with multi-talented, hilarious, stylish and wonderful guest, Cynara Geissler. We discuss personal style as creative practice, author care, literary publicity and media, celebrity clothing lines and so much more. Also, there's a lot of singing.

2020-01-271h 20 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 086- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - The DecadeIn this episode your hosts look back at the decade and talk about books they loved, trends they observed and there's some of what certain people would call singing. Thanks for another year of listening to our wee pod. Happy Holidays from Dina, Jen & Rosie! xo

2019-12-2353 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 085- Can't Lit - GossipAnd we're back to chat about shhhhhhh... gossip. What is it? Is it good? Is it bad? Are Dina and Jen prone to doing it? We answer all these questions and ask some that aren't easy to answer so we trail off. Is there singing? Listen to find out. You can gossip about our singing on your time. xoxo Gossip Girls

2019-11-1130 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 084- Can't Lit - Lynn CoadyGuess what? We've got Lynn Coady! We talk about her new novel, Watching You Without Me, writing bad men characters, writing relationships between mothers and daughters, novel-writing vs. short-story writing, how it feels to go to a literary gala, and we play a little game of Would You Rather? Fall has settled over the land and there are literary festivals everywhere and we are coming to you 100% not live from a conference room on Granville Island during the Vancouver Writers' Fest.

2019-10-281h 03 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 083- Can't Lit - Taking a BreakBoo! It's October. And what's spookier than feeling like you're constantly working? In this episode Dina and Jen talk about taking breaks. What are they? Why do we need them? What can they look like? You're not totally broken, you just need a break.

2019-10-1433 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 082- Can't Lit - Alicia TobinHi, hi, hi! What a delightful episode we have with the supremely talented funny person, podcaster (stars, they're just like us), writer and wonderful person, Alicia Tobin! We discuss her new book, So You're a Little Sad, So What (out with Friend of the Pod Arsenal Pulp Press), comedy, writing the hard essays, DOGS, animals, and we make a lot of jokes along the way. Rosie kisses Alicia and it makes everyone feel happy. Gosh, thanks for listening.

2019-09-301h 07 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 081- Can't Lit - Chelene KnightWe took a brief break, but now we're back! Summer's not quite over (thank goodness) and to celebrate we have the amazing writer, mentor and literary dynamo Chelene Knight as our guest. We talk about mentorship, her upcoming novel, Junie, the right form for your writing, her new endeavours, Learn Writing Essentials and Breathing Space Creative, and how we are all sweaty. And of course Rosie brings the love and we talk about Chelene's dog, Chester, and how he makes his #ChestersPicks.

2019-08-261h 02 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 080- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Being in PublicWhy hello there. Dina and Jen are back to talk about being in public, from readings, to being online. This shortie of an episode covers a little of what writers sometimes have to do a lot. Also, Rosie is adorable.

2019-06-2430 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 079 - Can't Lit - Andrea MacPhersonIt's not official, but it's basically summer. So we talk to novelist, poet, creative writing instructor, festival director, and summer aficionado, Andrea MacPherson. In this episode we discuss productivity, writing poetry and fiction sort of simultaneously, feminism in the 70s, writing with character in mind, bikinis, and Andrea's most recent novel, What We Once Believed. We also are treated to a preview of the Fraser Valley Lit Festival, happening fall 2019, including shout outs to many former guests and friends of the podcast. We have a lot of literary love to give!

2019-06-1759 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 078 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Self-loathingWriters! We feel bad about ourselves. About our work, about the way we think others think about us, about the way we present ourselves out in the world. In this episode Dina and Jen get into self-loathing, and how it affects writing and life. Rosie drags a bone around. It is quiet and riveting.

2019-05-3135 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 077 - Can't Lit - Laura MatwichukPoetry Month is over, but at Can't Lit we love to talk to poets all year long. In this episode we talk to the tremendous Laura Matwichuk about her debut poetry collection, Near Miss (Nightwood Editions), natural disasters, dreams, Armageddon (yes, the movie) and screen time. Dina rages about the most popular jeans right now, Jen is emotional about Mother's Day, and Rosie's friend Lola the Cat is introduced. What an episode!

2019-05-131h 05 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 076 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - RevisionNo guest, but lots of chatting. Dina & Jen talk about revision, editing, working with an editor, feedback, writing groups and workshops. And more! And find out what Dina and Jen think of books about writing. You probably already know in your heart.

2019-04-2934 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 075 - Can't Lit - Andrea WarnerWe talk to one delight about a book she wrote about another delight! Wonderful person and brilliant writer Andrea Warner is on this episode. We talk about her new book, Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography, why Buffy Sainte-Marie is totally amazing, research and writing, make-up and dog anatomy. Listen now for this truly delicious episode.

2019-04-151h 16 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 074 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - JealousyThey're just jealous! And here to talk about. In this episode Dina and Jen talk about professional literary jealousy and what it looks like for them, how they talk about it and how they deal.

2019-03-2538 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 073 - Can't Lit - Lindsay WongWhy hello there! In this episode we get to talk to amazing writer and lovely person, Lindsay Wong. We discuss her memoir, The Woo-Woo, manuscript rejection, writing about mental illness, family, eyelash extensions, and listening to music (and not listening to music). We cover a lot of ground, and give some good tips too. Both the writing kind and the make up kind.

2019-03-1152 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 072 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Baby WritersDina and Jen talk about their experiences of being baby writers. Learn about how their careers began, about their youthful writing lives and how they each found literary community.

2019-02-2532 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 071 - Can't Lit - jaye simpson & Jessica JohnsOur first guests of the year are fire! Talented and delightful writers jaye simpson and Jessica Johns join us to talk about the Indigenous Brilliance reading series, Room Magazine, writing and performance, the ethics of care, making space, fashion, and so much more. There is much laughing. We have a very fun time.

2019-02-111h 20 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 070 - Can't Lit - Dina & JenIt's 2019! Dina and Jen are back in the recording studio (find out where we record in the episode) without a guest and are answering questions from you, the listeners (a.k.a. friends of the podcast) that you sent us on Twitter. We talk about when the movie is better than the book, what we wish we knew as baby writers, and lipstick. Happy to be back in your ears in the new year.

2019-01-281h 10 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 069 - Can't Lit - Shazia Hafiz RamjiThe year's almost over, but there's one episode left with completely outstanding guest, writer, editor, and beautiful human Shazia Hafiz Ramji! We talk about her poetry collection, Port of Being, talking and not talking about craft, literary tours, what it's like to talk about the hard stuff you wrote, creepy men, otters and koi, Marisa Tomei and there's even some special Gritty content. Wishing you all Merry Gritmas and a delightful new year.

2018-12-2150 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 068 - Can't Lit - BONUS Daniel ZomparelliDina travelled to LA for a little blast from podcast past with Daniel Zomparelli as guest and host. We talk about Daniel's new podcast, I'm Afraid That, books we loved this year, lawsuits we didn't, articles we didn't read and so much more. Recorded at Little Everywhere. Despite our jokes and rants we can't make up for the lack of Jen in this episode.

2018-12-1038 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 067 - Can’t Lit - Keith MaillardThe days get drearier but the podcast gets more delightful with top drawer guest, writer, teacher, mentor, Keith Maillard! We talk about his new novel Twin Studies, writing research, relationships, Bakhtin, Refuse: CanLit in Ruins and some very enjoyable pets of CanLit. All tangents will be satisfying.

2018-11-261h 04 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 066 - Can't Lit - Waubgeshig RiceThe days are getting darker but Can't Lit is here to brighten your day with a wonderful talk with talented writer and sweetheart Waubgeshig Rice. We talk about his new novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow as well as dystopia, masculinity, character development, 90s fashion and the dreaded diversity panel. We also talk about fun times had at the Vancouver Writers' Fest and yes, we do get into Gritty!

2018-11-121h 16 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 065 - Can't Lit - Vivek ShrayaBoo! Don't be scared. It's just a podcast. And this episode has the beyond delightful, smart, talented and hilarious, Vivek Shraya. We discuss her new book, I'm Afraid of Men, masculinity, being a multi-disciplinary artist, readers and audiences, fashion, and so much more. And maybe we decide to write Can't Lit: The Musical.

2018-10-2958 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 064 - Can't Lit - Kim FuFresh from the Fraser Valley Literary Festival Dina and Jen talk with novelist, poet, and great dog parent, Kim Fu! We talk about new latest novel, The Lost Girls of Camp Forevermore, character, structure, poetry and fiction and of course dogs. Thanks to the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford for letting us record in a very quiet and lovely room.

2018-10-1559 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 063 - Can't Lit - Andrew WilmotYes, it's fall, but in the world of this Can't Lit we're in a wildfire smoke summer haze with the truly lovely Andrew Wilmot. We discuss his debut novel The Death Scene Artist, writing genre, first book feelings, bodies, and Angelina Jolie's dating life. Jen gets real about grief and Dina admits to some Bob Seger feelings.

2018-09-241h 21 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 062- Can't Lit - Amanda LeducLate summer is here! But don't be sad, because the amazing Amanda Leduc is also here to talk about her upcoming novel, The Centaur's Wife, muppets, accessibility, world building, the FOLD, and of course many other things. Jen has summer emotions, and Dina surprises everyone with her Rage Minute.

2018-08-271h 12 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 061- Can't Lit - andrea bennettSummer is here and Dina and Jen bask in the glow of talented writer, editor, artist and all around lovely human andrea bennett! We talk about definitive hot takes, poetry, drawing, editing, bikes, and dogs and babies. This episode has it all.

2018-07-301h 09 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 060 - Can't Lit - Samantha Marie NockSummer has arrived and this new episode with amazing writer and delightful person Samantha Marie Nock is a great sunny or rainy day companion. Discussed in this episode: the vulnerability of writing, putting together a first poetry manuscript, friendship, fear, boy bands, PUPPIES and the latest CanLit trash. Jen and Dina are emotional as usual.

2018-06-2557 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 059 - Can't Lit - Hannah McGregorJen and Dina have the best time with podcaster, scholar, writer and truly wonderful human Hannah McGregor! We talk scholarly podcasting, publishing, lipstick and bodies (don't comment on them, okay?) and of course there is rage and emotions and, yes, lots of laughter. Also, we all proclaim our love for librarians.

2018-05-281h 28 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 058 - Thank You For Being a FriendMarita Dachsel, Charlotte Gill, Jennica Harper, Nancy Lee and Laisha Rosnau are extraordinary writers who've also been friends for twenty years! Jen and Din are lucky to talk to them about their super-friendship origin story, how they help each other with their writing, celebrating successes, being there for each other (cutting umbilical cords!), teaching, pay inequality and so much more.

2018-04-301h 23 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 057 - Can't Lit - BONUS Sharon BalaGet excited for this bonus episode with super delight and excellent writer, Sharon Bala. We talk about her new novel, Boat People, writing refugees and immigrants, displacement, unlikeable characters, female relationships and gross politicians. And of course, we talk a little bit about fashion.

2018-04-2035 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Katherena VermetteWinter is bleak but this episode will warm you up. Jen and Dina get to talk to the multi-hyphenate, multi-talented, multi-award-winning, novelist, poet, filmmaker (and more) Katherena Vermette! They talk with her about her novel, The Break, poetry and genre-hopping, baggy, high-waisted jeans, self-care in hard times and single moms. You're gonna feel the feelings!

2018-02-261h 28 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Rahila's GhostWay back in November Jen and Dina interviewed part of the amazing team behind Rahila's Ghost Press, a new chapbook press that will knock your stockings off. And we sure did have a fun time, talked about a lot of poetry and yes, there were emotions. Now the episode is here for your listening pleasure, with publisher Mallory Tater, managing editor Curtis LeBlanc, editors Adèle Barclay and Shaun Robinson, and two of the first poets publisher by the press, Megan Fennya Jones (Normal Women) and Jake Byrne (The Tide). Buy all the RG chapbooks at rahilasghostpress.com.

2018-01-291h 42 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit David ChariandyThis episode is full of fun, friendship and lots of love. Dina and Jen talk to the recent winner of the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, novelist, and truly lovely person, David Chariandy. We talk about his new novel, Brother, Jen and David's early days as published writers, writing the good and hard stuff, and the passing of Jen's beloved dog companion, Molly. Molly, we love you and you are missed. We also play a game called, "Write or Go Right?" Three Leos together on the mic and it can only be a good time, right?

2017-11-271h 31 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Gurjinder BasranRecorded in September but here now for your ears is an episode with lovely writer Gurjinder Basran! Jen and I talk to her about her new novel, Someone You Love is Gone, which features ghosts and sadness and some laughs too. We also discuss representation in literature, rap and hip hop, and a Tinder date from the news. There's even some Halloween cackling. Happy listening!

2017-10-301h 23 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit 50th Episode LitacularWe made it to 50 episodes! And to celebrate Dina and Jen got a lot of snacks together and welcomed Adèle Barclay, Juliane Okot Bitek, Raoul Fernandes , Leah Horlick, Nancy Lee, Ben Rawluk and Beni Xiao back to the podcast. With a very special speaker phone call from Daniel Zomparelli this episode has all the feelings, book talk, tangents and valid complaints your ears have been hearing for 50 glorious 'sodes. Do we finally go deep on Marian Engel's Bear? You decide! Thanks for listening! We love you.

2017-09-251h 47 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Bianca Spence & Paul VermeerschDon't lament summer ending because we have the two most lovely guests: Paul Vermeersch and Bianca Spence! While visiting Vancouver from Toronto they made time to talk to Jen and me about karaoke, Degrassi, diversity panels, friendliness in literary community and fries. We also bring back Literary Would You Rather?

2017-08-281h 44 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Michael V. SmithThis episode with writer Michael V. Smith is a joyful summer treat! He writes great poems, prose and tweets. Jen and Dina talk to him about his new poetry book, Bad Ideas, dreams, why we write, navigating the exclusion and power imbalances of the literary community, Disneyland and even Daniel's wedding. We have so many laughs. Also, we talk about Jen's new book, Gentlemen of the Shade. Read both of their new books and you'll have a better summer.

2017-07-311h 04 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Kai Cheng Thom and Ali Blythe and Leah HorlickThree amazing guests in one super episode! Finalists Kai Cheng Thom and Ali Blythe along with event MC Leah Horlick join Dina and Jen the day after the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ Emerging Writers ceremony. We talk poetry (a lot, in so many ways), exclusion in canlit, the problem with "universal" stories, and so much more. This episodes has laughs, lots of emotions and ends in a real lovefest. Though not in the room with us third finalist Eva Crocker makes an appearance through the magic of technology!

2017-06-261h 29 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit BONUS - Deborah WIllisA short bonus episode! Jen and Dina wished they'd had more time with Deborah Willis, but we all still had a fun time and great a conversation about Deborah's amazing new short story collection, The Dark and Other Love Stories, hypochondria, Riverdale, and quite a bit of gross body stuff. HOT TIP: This episode was recorded in February! A real blast from the near past.

2017-05-2219 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Carleigh Baker and Daniel ZomparelliIt may be Poetry Month, but we pull a short story switcheroo! Daniel is the guest, along with Carleigh Baker. Jen Sookfong Lee is your guest host. Dina is up to the same old tricks. In this whopper of an episode we talk about Daniel's book of short stories Everything Is Awful and You're a Terrible Person, and Carleigh's Bad Endings. Other topics covered include: reviews, Canada Reads, putting biographical stuff into fiction, and a ban on summer literary events.

2017-04-261h 33 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Eden RobinsonWhen Daniel's away Dina gets to co-host with podcast guest host superstar Jen Sookfong Lee! They talk to complete talent and delight Eden Robinson. Be prepared for so much boisterous laughter. Their conversation touches on her new novel, Son of a Trickster, otters and other animals, humour, swearing, dietary restrictions and Dina talks about her Danielversary.

2017-02-2739 min $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit It's a Wonderful Can't LitHappy holidays, listeners! This episode has singing, laughing, shouting, seasonal stories, book recommendations, suggestions for places to donate this holiday season from many guests from Can't Lit past: Jen Sookfong Lee, Ben Rawluk, Adèle Barclay, Sheryda Warrener, Elee Kraljii Gardiner, Carleigh Baker, Anthony Casey & Anakana Schofield. Daniel has a broken water pipe, Dina is sometimes quiet, and it all happens during a snowstorm! xoxo

2016-12-201h 49 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Jen Sookfong Lee and Anakana SchofieldDina and Daniel invited Jen Sookfong Lee and Anakana Schofield into a literary pop-up shop and recorded Can't Lit Live! In our first live episode we talk about their books, The Conjoined and Martin John, Lionel Shriver, shirts, and of course go on so many tangents in front of an audience. We play a special game: Who Said This in an Interview: Anakana or Jen? and Dina gets Daniel and their guests to share their rage! Do things get out of hand? You tell us.

2016-09-281h 20 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit A Very Merry Can't LitTo celebrate this festive season Dina and Daniel rented a snowy chalet and invited past Can’t Lit guests to join them by the fire to chat, eat and drink. A lot. Jen Sookfong Lee, Jordan Abel, Sean Cranbury, Billeh Nickerson and Aaron Chapman discuss important holiday stuff, like how to ruin poems for the holidays, hangovers, holiday traditions, eggnog, holiday movies and TV, the Nutcracker, stealing Christmas trees, curling, cats eating tinsel, veal, poetry as gifts, grilled cheeses and many more weird tangents. We also go over what we can’t with for Christmas. And there are so many...

2015-12-161h 47 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Jen Sookfong LeeCan't Lit's endless summer of great guests continues. Dina and Daniel invite Jen Sookfong Lee over for bourbon and book talk. We get into Jen's two novels and Dina's rage, plus we tell tales from bad literary events and share terrible things people have said to us at Q&As.

2015-08-311h 41 $Can\'t Lit$

Can't Lit Nancy LeeFor our fourth episode of Can't Lit, we talk to author Nancy Lee about her most-recent novel The Age. We also talk about tooth aches, gay weddings, and play a literary round of "Would You Rather?" Find out if Nancy Lee would rather Joey, or Ross.

2014-07-281h 14