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 rounds of trivia: Generally Vaguely Dirty Dancing, Horror Movie Trivia, and TV Trivia. And Dina reads a poem from her book that tells you which SNL cast member you are! And that's not all, A Giant Woman (Cynara Geissler and Hannah McGregor) performs with The Jewel Tones (Martin Austwick and Helen Zaltzman). And we are treated to a performance by The Established, Shanda Leer! A wonderful night. A fun time. All of this was recorded by our wonderful sound tech, Sean Cranbury.

Spring has sprung! And we have Tania De Rozario on the podcast to talk about her new collection of essays, Dinner on Monster Island as well as talking about horror as a conduit for feelings, loving ghosts, demons and phantoms and eating the rich. We also marvel at Rosie the wonderful podcast dog, and we promise to stop referencing (and trashing) Oppenheimer. Listen now! Transcript here.

Hello! 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. 

To 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 F-bombs. Happy holidays and cheers, from all of us at Can’t Lit!

Dina and Daniel head to Toronto, a.k.a. Hotline Bling central, and Jacqueline Valencia is there to talk with them about Toronto Poetry Talks, her upcoming poetry collection, There is No Escape Out of Time, diversity and race in poetry, teens, chocolate and Instagram. D & D give an update from their trip to Montreal's strip clubs, karaoke bars and mozzarella stick establishments and even create a new strip club. And we all shout out The BreakBeat Poets and come up with whole new categories of literary awards. 

Dina and Daniel visit Montreal and invite the delightful duo of Bükem Reitmayer and Mike Spry into their hotel room for a wholesome literary chat. We talk about all the important things: movies, TV, shopping, and even poetry, like how a poem can change over time and how process is weird. We also give a shout out to the wonderful bookstore, Librairie Drawn & Quarterly and celebrate Mean Girls Day.

It's always a special occasion when Jillian Christmas is around. Dina and Daniel invite the talented writer, musician and Artistic Director of Verses Festival of Words to talk about writing, but also how miserable fall is, love songs and protest songs, Charmed Can Lit, children's soy lattes, large print erotica on public transit and of course, Shannen Doherty. We also bring back the ever-popular CanLit Feuds and play a new game for this crummy season: Fall or Fall?

Can'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. 

Double your poetry pleasure with our guests Kayla Czaga and Raoul Fernandes. We talk with them about their new books of poetry, ageism, having kids and not having kids and accidental marriage proposals. We also invent a Can('t) Lit cocktail, Dina gets us to play Fuck, Marry, Kill: Poetry Edition and Daniel admits to dating a pizza.

Happy summer, listeners! This episode D&D talk to the charming Aaron Chapman about his books, Live at the Commodore and Liquor, Lust and the Law (both Arsenal Pulp Press) Vancouver and its history, what our summer reads are and we even throw in a CanLit Feud (featuring an American!). And finally, Can't Lit turns 19. To celebrate the legal drinking age we talk about what we did at 19, play Would You Rather: Summer Edition and get teen drunk. Stay hydrated!

Finally! A Can't Lit games only episode. Dina, Daniel and Jordan play three literary games cut from Episode 18: Craigslist or Poem, Broetry or Noetry, and Jordan brings his own version of Literary Never Have I Ever: Vancouver edition. Play along at home! 

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 of all our dreams. It'll be like you were there in the room! Happy listening!

Spring has sprung and Dina and Daniel bring in beautiful flower and great writer, Jordan Abel. We talk about Jordan's books, Un/Inhabited and The Place of Scraps, skim reading, sex positions, colonialism, visual and sound poetry, Mother's Day sadness, and even find time to speculate on the finale of Mad Men. Think we didn't play any games? Think again, they're coming up in a special bonus episode!

Dreams come true when DDB & DZ get to talk to the wonderful poet, David McGimpsey. Dreams come even more true when talk turns to shopping malls (!!) his new book, Asbestos Heights (!!!), Tropical Bill Murray, a baby Dina hates on Facebook, Beyoncé (of course), and watching Jennifer Aniston movies for Poetry Month. We also play two new games in honour of Fuller House, the Full House sequel: What Would Kimmy Gibbler Do? and Stefan Urquelle or Steve Urkel? We even talk about poetry and classism, and Daniel coins the term, "dick carousel."

Poetry Month is still here! So, these podcast hosts invited the super charming and smart Sachiko Murakami to talk about poems, airports, crying poets and of course her new book. Get Me Out Of Here (Talonbooks) which also became a new Can't Lit game that we played. Daniel's Dream Corner returns and Dina's Dream Analysis Corner makes its debut. We also give some not very nice shout outs to Subway and Dina complains about 420 like a total narc.

For poetry month Dina and Daniel invite two special guests to share the mics with them: wine and pizza. With their help D&D talk about what they think is so boring (lots of things, like, ugh, bacon) and debut a new segment, Poetry Books That Got Us So Wet Right Now (including new collections by David McGimpsey, Leah Horlick, Roaul Fernandes, Jonina Kirton, Damian Rogers, Sachiko Marukami and Stuart Ross. And Daniel's Dream Corner is revisited. Warning: wine is a solid guest, but pizza gets a little out of hand.

Two road trips in a row? Yup. That's Can't Lit in March. D&D head to Victoria and invite Marita Dachsel and Matt Rader to a hotel business centre. We discuss Marita's many wives, from her poetry collection, Glossolalia (Anvil Press, 2013), and Matt's new book of short stories, What I Want to Tell Goes Like This (Nightwood Editions, 2014). We also host a special secret guest: Stephanie. Then we play Literary Never Have I Ever, talk poetry vs. prose and give the low down on Victoria's gay bar. Shout out to WordsThaw 2015 put on by the Malahat Review.

Can't Lit is on the road! The duo head to Galiano Island to meet with author Michael Christie. We talk about his new book, If I Fall, If I Die, (McClelland & Stewart, 2015), weird island names, flashbacks and otters. By request we bring back fan favourite, Can Lit Feuds, and introduce a new segment, Daniel's Dream Corner. 

Chelsea Rooney joins Can't Lit to talk about her debut novel, Pedal (Caitlin Press, 2014), but also to go down great paths discussing the movies Scream and The Craft, along with our favourite topic, Can Lit fueds. We also get into meta narratives, and bring back fan favourite (maybe?) Literary Would You Rather? Plus we introduce a new segment, Amazon Reviews of the Week, because Amazon reviews are strange and wonderful. Daniel updates everyone on his rash. Dina is supportive.

On this episode Dina and Daniel invite writer, and entertaining gentlemen, Adam Lewis Schroeder from the wilds of Vernon to talk about Beyonce, the Super Bowl, zombies, his new book, All Day Breakfast (Douglas & McIntyre, March 2015) and the apocalypse with Margaret Wente and David Gilmour. Then Adam endears himself to Can't Lit forever with raps (feat. Dina and Daniel) that will melt hearts, and maybe faces.

Happy New Year! The first Can't Lit in 2015 opens with the multi-faceted man with many plans, Sean Cranbury. We talk about the word "emerging", Real Vancouver Writers' Series, #95books, Sean's podcasts "Books on the Radio" and "The Interruption," Canada Council for the Arts, Tinder, of course, and some other stuff we can't remember. Sean makes really strong drinks. 

So, this is Can't Lit Christmas, and what have you done? In this episode Dina and Daniel welcome Sara Bynoe with a lot of eggnog and bourbon. We get emotionally invested in Christmas movies, holidays past, present and future and of course we rehash festive personal trauma. Bonus: lots of out of tune singing. Enjoy our most festive Can't Lit yet.

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"
• Appearances by cute pets!

Thanks for listening to us in 2022 and we'll see you in 2023!

In this episode we're invited into the home of George Bowering and Jean Baird to talk about the recent release of Bowering's Books by The Capilano Review. We edited down hours of conversation and we're still left with many pressing topics, including: Duece Bigalow: Male Gigalo, Bowering's obsession with Hello Kitty, Italian underwear, Al Purdy's A Frame, Christmas cake, nudity, politics, and basically anything we could think of. We even made time to discuss some of Bowering's many books. 

This month on Can't Lit we have Amber Dawn and talk about all of the tasks of being a writer. From book launches, to fan nudies, to readings, to book reviews, to television watching. 

Well, it's Can't Lit time again, friends. This month we host the magnificent Wayde Compton, author of the newly released, The Outer Harbour (Arsenal Pulp Press), which we talk about in this very episode! We also recap our summers, talk writing for serious, Vancouver history and Robin Williams.

BONUS: There is a lost episode that we angrily discuss and make reference to throughout. You miss out on the great Wayde Compton bee story. Sorry!

It's the fifth episode and we brought in Cynara Geissler and Sheryda Warrener for a very special pop-culture saturated podcast to celebrate Dina Del Bucchia's second book Blind Items. We talk about Robyn's mullet, ABBA's hits, urine therapy, poetry (I think), and 19 poolboys. We cap it all off by discussing our favourite poems about Janky Tan Lines.

For 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.

Do you like it long? Then this episode will satisfy. Doretta Lau joins the dynamic double Ds to talk about her debut short story collection, How Does a Single Blade of Grass Thank the Sun? (Nightwood, 2014) Bullying, ramen, writing about pop culture in fiction, bodily function failures and even Umbro tracksuits are discussed in this very special episode.

D&D bring Billeh Nickerson to an undisclosed location that may or may not be a bath house to talk about his cheeky sweet new book, Artificial Cherry (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2014), retro CanLit feuds, and of course, Judge Judy. Also making an appearance: feelings!

It's the first episode! Our hosts, Dina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli, chat with author Nikki Reimer about her new book Downverse (Talonbooks, 2014). Talk also turns to Calgary, hashtags and the new as-yet unrecorded podcast of the future, Maximum Butts, and everyone provides helpful tips for post literary-event small talk. Features the maybe one day popular segment: "What's George Bowering Doing?" 

Hello friends! Happy Halloween! As a treat we talk to the amazing Billy-Ray Belcourt about his new novel, A Minor Chorus, writing outside genre, the era of the slim volume and more! I don't know if there are any literary tricks up our sleeves, but it's a great talk! And there are mentions of spooky uses of cutlery and pet Halloween costumes. 

Hello! 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!

Wlecome to summer! We have a glorious guest to cool things down with  sparkling conversation, Emma Healey! We talk about her new memoir Best Young Woman Job Book, prose and prose poetry, writing about life and money, and bringing pugilism back to the literary. Also, bringing farm animals to the literary world. We have fun! 

This episode pairs well with an icy beverage!

Hello! 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/.

Happy 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?!

Hello listeners! This month we talk to the Artistic and Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Jane Davidson! We chat about planning a literary festival, pitches, amazing events and what it's been like running the festival for fifteen years. And as always, tangents, Rosie barks, rage and emotions. 

Hello! This month we talk to the incredible writer and lovely person, Naben Ruthnum! In this episode we talk about his new novel, A Hero of Our Time, writing compelling dialogue, writing with humour,  lies as storytelling, and so much more, including a tangent on Naben's cat and there are some important Rosie interjections. Rage and emotions and so much more! It's a fantastic conversation and very fun. 

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.

Happy 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! 

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!

Two 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.

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!

It'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.

Hello listeners! This episode is a delightful treat with the writer, editor and instructor, Shashi Bhat! We talk about her new novel, The Most Precious Substance on Earth, novel writing, pop culture in fiction, writing with humour and, somehow, Woodstock '99. All that and other brief tangents we know you'll love, and the usual rage and emotions you trust. 

This 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. 

Summer 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/

Hello 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!