If you’re looking for not only a podcast that compares and contrasts YA books and their film adaptations, look no further! If you want a podcast that also will make you laugh, give you more additions to your TBR list, BINGE ALL OF THIS PODCAST NOW!!

I generally give podcasts a few episodes & jump around before making a decision, which is what I did here. I picked out 5 different episodes to listen to but there was so much negativity it was exhausting. Don’t review YA if you don’t like it…but having a podcast that leans heavily on that genre then complaining that it focuses too much on romance or teen/early adult issues instead of work and politics is a little ridiculous. There also seems to be a lot of putting Todays societal standards on text that were written 10, 15 or even 20yrs ago. I have no issue with calling out problematic plot beats but it’s also important to acknowledge things considered major issues now weren’t seen in the same vein 15 yrs ago. Many of these episodes feel like two ppl saying how much they dislike the popular thing JUST because it’s popular rather than having genuine issues with the story. Half the time the complaints are things that were either explained in that book or a follow up text they just didn’t read.

I’m having a blast revisiting stories I devoured as a teen through Joe and Brenna’s lighthearted and fairly balanced critical lens. As long as you’re not too precious about your favorite stories being picked apart and criticized, and are willing to engage in the fun alongside occasional serious topics, this pod will be a hit for you too.

I enjoy this podcast for the most part. I love that it’s dedicated to YA! The angle of comping books to their respective media is also interesting though of course means we mainly only discuss books that have made it to film or TV adaptation status, though I like that they sprinkle in “book club” episodes as well. I do wish the hosts would engage more deeply with some texts—i.e. they criticize Chaos Walking saying it “doesn’t engage deeply with colonialism” when a simple google search of the series would tell you that’s entirely what the rest of the series is about!—and I wish they didn’t agree with each other so often as I think hosts with more differing opinions make for more interesting discussions. We don’t always agree (Chaos Walking is an incredible and important series!) but I still enjoy listening and am looking forward to more episodes to come!

I’m a long-time listener to HKHS, but I’m just now getting around to leaving a review (sorry!). Joe and Brenna have a lovely friendship that I feel grateful to get to listen in on every week. I started listening to the podcast when I was in grad school, and it felt like more of what I got in my classes. I love hearing smart, funny people engage material with nuance and complexity. Now that I’m no longer an academic (oddly enough, I teach high school ELA now), it feels even more important to have a space where I get to explore big ideas and expand my own understanding of the world through literature and films. I know this podcast takes a lot of work. Thank you for being a part of my life for years now. I’m endlessly appreciative to have HKHS as part of my routine, usually a companion while I vacuum 🙂

Congrats on 150 episodes! This podcast is insightful and there hosts are just lovely as heck. It also highlights content that I might have missed otherwise. Give this podcast a listen!

Even though the hosts may not like them as much, my favorite episodes are those that often elicit rants. I've wanted to revisit some of those popular texts to see how they hold up, but it's a lot more entertaining when you share it with others. I'll hold the last star for if they ever complete the vampire triad with Vampire Academy, the obsession of my teenage yaears. Ok, there may not be much hope for that, but they still provide an enjoyable look at YA literature of all kinds and their screen adaptations.

I stumbled across this podcast while searching for some much needed ya lit analysis and boy did I hit the jackpot! The hosts are enaging, insightful, and always bring something to the table I hadn't previously considered. They don't always agree on everything, but are willing to listen and engage with each other's opinions respectfully. I've been recommending it to all the avid readers in my life!

Hosts are very insightful and knowledgeable about YA lit. Episodes are funny and great to listen to especially if you have read the book.

Joe and *Brenn-Naahhh* have been God’s gift to me during this dumpster fire of a year. They have such whip smart observations and I am always amazed by their critical discussion of the texts they choose. Great podcast!

A podcast about YA novels and their TV adaptations? What’s not to love? The hosts are smart and funny, and I love hearing their thoughts. The podcast is also really well made, audio is really clear, they stay on topic, it’s just simply enjoyable to listen to.

Ok, so this is not the most fare review, but it’s just my opinion. So it’s a great idea for a podcast, it really is! But... I love the Hunger Games more than anything, and any criticism toward it is taken highly offensive by me. And yeah, there was criticism! So take back everything bad you said about the Hunger Games and I will listen! Do not recommend to anyone who has a passion for any books they do, especially if you CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT the Hunger Games, like me.

I LOVE the idea of comparing a YA text to it’s film/tv adaptation. As a YA author and avid YA reader I wanted to soak up every second d of this podcast. That is until I very quickly realized that the hosts don’t seem to love the stories they are consuming. Each time I see a title and get excited I’m instantly dissatisfied by the negative reviews from the hosts. They even go so far as to say the books are a chore to get through and there’s lots of sighing. I want so much to love this podcast but after a few months of dedicated listening I’m done.

I love this podcast. I'm a school librarian and a YA fan, so the concept of comparing text and film adaptations appeals to me very much. I've been listening for most of the year and at this point Joe and Brenna feel like my friends. Lately I've had a mild anxiety flare up and HKHS pod is where I have been turning to settle my mind and brighten my mood when my anxiety brain won't let me sleep. Joe and Brenna are warm, funny, insightful, and kind to each other. They select their media thoughtfully and inclusively. It's a podcast that gives me the warm fuzzies and has encouraged me to try out a couple of adaptations I wouldn't have otherwise watched. Even when they review a property I am not interest in reading/watching myself, I'm always glad to hear their conversation about it. This podcast has become one that I hoard for a time when I need some podcast friends to talk to me about books.

I love this PodCast! Intelligent, fun, and interesting analysis of YA fiction and movies. Great for all adults, young and old!

I love this critical analysis with jokes style of podcast and this one has a great structure and smart analysis. I love 'homework' where the hosts update you on books, films, and TV they recommend - good recs overall and a fun way to keep up a bit with current stuff. The sound quality is always high, which I really appreciate.

I love listening to intelligent conversation about books and this podcast is just that! Can’t wait for future episodes!