I’m a transmasculine nonbinary podcaster who creates podcasts about children’s and young adult literature. My first podcast, Unfortunate Associates covers various works related to the YA author Daniel Handler/Lemony Snicket. It is hosted by myself and my friend Mia Marchant who is a trans woman. My second podcast, Radio Camp Half Blood focuses on Percy Jackson and other works by YA author Rick Riordan. It is hosted by myself and my friend Zachary Sokol.
Both shows analyze children’s and young adult literature from an inclusive perspective. Representation is at the forefront of our minds, whether that representation is of LGBTQIA people, disabled people, people with mental illness etc. Notably, Radio Camp Half Blood was sponsored by Penguin Random House this past October and was given the opportunity to preview an audio book clip from the Rick Riordan book 9 From the Nine Worlds: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. The chapter featured the character Alex Fierro who is canonically genderfluid. Our choice to feature this character’s chapter was an intentional gesture, meant to emphasize the importance of trans and gender nonconforming representation.
I studied children’s literature during college, as I personally feel that these books have both the power and the obligation to help young people feel understood. My greatest career success has been the heartfelt response both my shows have received from people of all ages. Messages from parents, teachers, and children have shown that discussion of these books can also make people feel less alone.
Phoenix Collective 