Can't Lit

123 - Can't Lit - Triple Treat Book Launch!

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 bel...

122 - Can't Lit - Tania De Rozario

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 talki...

121 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - What's the Point?

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

120 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Lies Writers Have Told Us

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome 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...

119 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - CHAOS

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, 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 talkin...

118 - Can't Lit - Nathan Whitlock

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! 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 probab...

117 - Can't Lit - Some of Our Favourite Things

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Summer 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 ...

116 - Can't Lit - Andrew F. Sullivan

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello 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....

115 - Can't Lit - Catherine Hernandez

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This month we finally got to live our dream and talk to the multi-talented and oh so wonderful, Catherine Hernandez! We talk about her new book...

114 - Can't Lit - Cody Caetano

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! Spring is here, and so is a new episode with the wonderful Cody Caetano! We talk about his book, Half Bads in White Regalia, voice, structure ...

113 - Can't Lit - Emily Riddle

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This month we have the incredible writer, artist and library professional Emily Riddle! We talk about her wonderful poetry collection The Big ...

112 - Can't Lit - The Superfan Talk Show! Live!

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Janu...

111- Can't Lit - Live with Hannah McGregor!

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

110 - Can't Lit - Billy-Ray Belcourt

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

109 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Asking Each Other

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 fe...

108 - Can't Lit - Emma Healey

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 W...

107 - Can't Lit - Francine Cunningham

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 sto...

106 - Can't Lit Live! with Jason Purcell, Jónína Kirton & Tolu Oloruntoba

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 supers...

105 - Can't Lit - Jane Davidson

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

104 - Can't Lit - Naben Ruthnum

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

103- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen: Start Me Up

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, o...

102- Can't Lit - Can't Lit Holiday Fun Times Live!

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

101- Can't Lit - Ellie Sawatzky & Isabella Wang

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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) abo...

100- Can't Lit - Can't Lit Live 100!

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

099- Can't Lit - Casey Plett

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

098- Can't Lit - Shashi Bhat

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello listeners! This episode is a delightful treat with the writer, editor and instructor, Shashi Bhat! We talk about her new novel, The Most Preciou...

097 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 fee...

096 - Can't Lit - Hilary Atleo

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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. W...

095 - Can't Lit - Sarah Berman

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

094 - Can't Lit - Dina Interviews Jen

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We'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 a...

093 - Can't Lit - Top Ten 2020

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We 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 ...

092 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! 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 wr...

091 - Can't Lit - Marlowe Granados

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Boo! Oh no. We didn't want to scare you. Just want you to know we have a new episode with the amazing writer, filmmaker, podcaster and style icon Marl...

090 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Huge 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 literar...

090 - Can't Lit - Daniel, Dina & Jen

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts 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 t...

089 - Can't Lit - David Ly

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hello 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...

A Can't Lit Update

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hello 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

088 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Advice

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In 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, a...

087 - Can't Lit - Cynara Geissler

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 2020! Happy New Decade! Happy Year of the Metal Rat! And we're back with multi-talented, hilarious, stylish and wonderful guest, Cynara Geissler...

086- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - The Decade

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In 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...

085- Can't Lit - Gossip

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

And 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 ...

084- Can't Lit - Lynn Coady

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Guess what? We've got Lynn Coady! We talk about her new novel, Watching You Without Me, writing bad men characters, writing  relationships between mo...

083- Can't Lit - Taking a Break

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Boo! 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 th...

082- Can't Lit - Alicia Tobin

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hi, hi, hi! What a delightful episode we have with the supremely talented funny person, podcaster (stars, they're just like us), writer and wonderful ...

081- Can't Lit - Chelene Knight

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We 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 d...

080- Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Being in Public

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why 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 wh...

079 - Can't Lit - Andrea MacPherson

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's not official, but it's basically summer. So we talk to novelist, poet, creative writing instructor, festival director, and summer aficionado, An...

078 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Self-loathing

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writers! 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 worl...

077 - Can't Lit - Laura Matwichuk

13 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Poetry 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 deb...

076 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Revision

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

No guest, but lots of chatting. Dina & Jen talk about revision, editing, working with an editor, feedback, writing groups and workshops. And more! And...

075 - Can't Lit - Andrea Warner

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We 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 a...

074 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Jealousy

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

They'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, ...

073 - Can't Lit - Lindsay Wong

11 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why 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 reje...

072 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen - Baby Writers

25 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dina and Jen talk about their experiences of being baby writers. Learn about how their careers began, about their youthful writing lives and how they ...

071 - Can't Lit - jaye simpson & Jessica Johns

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our first guests of the year are fire! Talented and delightful writers jaye simpson and Jessica Johns join us to talk about the Indigenous Brilliance...

070 - Can't Lit - Dina & Jen

28 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It'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 yo...

069 - Can't Lit - Shazia Hafiz Ramji

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The year's almost over, but there's one episode left with completely outstanding guest, writer, editor, and beautiful human Shazia Hafiz Ramji! We tal...

068 - Can't Lit - BONUS Daniel Zomparelli

10 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dina 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 Tha...

067 - Can't Lit - Keith Maillard

26 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The days get drearier but the podcast gets more delightful with top drawer guest, writer, teacher, mentor, Keith Maillard! We talk about his new novel...

066 - Can't Lit - Waubgeshig Rice

12 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The 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 t...

065 - Can't Lit - Vivek Shraya

29 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Boo! 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...

064 - Can't Lit - Kim Fu

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh 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, Th...

063 - Can't Lit - Andrew Wilmot

24 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, 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 nov...

062- Can't Lit - Amanda Leduc

27 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Late 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, ac...

061- Can't Lit - andrea bennett

30 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Summer 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 definiti...

060 - Can't Lit - Samantha Marie Nock

25 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Summer has arrived and this new episode with amazing writer and delightful person Samantha Marie Nock is a great sunny or rainy day companion. Discuss...

059 - Can't Lit - Hannah McGregor

28 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jen and Dina have the best time with podcaster, scholar, writer and truly wonderful human Hannah McGregor! We talk scholarly podcasting, publishing, l...

058 - Thank You For Being a Friend

30 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Marita Dachsel, Charlotte Gill, Jennica Harper, Nancy Lee and Laisha Rosnau are extraordinary writers who've also been friends for twenty years! Jen a...

057 - Can't Lit - BONUS Sharon Bala

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Get excited for this bonus episode with super delight and excellent writer, Sharon Bala. We talk about her new novel, Boat People, writing refugees an...

056 - Can't Lit - Alicia Elliott

26 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! This month we have another truly exciting guest: the amazingly talented and charming, Alicia Elliott. We talk about writing non-fiction...

055 - Can't Lit - Katherena Vermette

26 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Winter 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, poe...

054 - Can't Lit - Rahila's Ghost

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Way 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 stocking...

053 - Can't Lit - XXXmas

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Happy holidays from your original Can't Lit hosting team! Dina welcomes Daniel back into the "studio" in this guest-less episode that goes on too many...

052 - Can't Lit - David Chariandy

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This 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,...

051 - Can't Lit - Gurjinder Basran

30 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded 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...

050 - Can't Lit - 50th Episode Litacular

25 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We 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...

049 - Can't Lit - Bianca Spence & Paul Vermeersch

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Don't lament summer ending because we have the two most lovely guests: Paul Vermeersch and Bianca Spence! While visiting Vancouver from Toronto they ...

048 - Can't Lit - Michael V. Smith

31 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This 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 po...

047 Can't Lit - Kai Cheng Thom and Ali Blythe and Leah Horlick

26 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Three 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 ...

046 Can't Lit — Tenille Campbell

29 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Things get spicy in this episode because Dina and Daniel get to talk to poet, photographer and general delight Tenille Campbell! We talk about that ...

BONUS - Deborah WIllis

22 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A 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 D...

045 Can't Lit — Carleigh Baker and Daniel Zomparelli

26 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It 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. Din...

044 Can't Lit — Juliane Okot Bitek and Leah Horlick

28 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Live from Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival we have two mega-talented and wonderful guests, Juliane Okot Bitek and Leah Horlick! In our secon...

043 - Eden Robinson

27 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

When 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. B...

042- Regis and Kelly

20 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

No guest? No problem. It's just Dina and Daniel! They went to Kelowna and lived to tell the tale. This episode has so much: spring books we're excite...

041 Can't Lit — Beni Xiao & Mariah Devcic

30 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year, listeners! Daniel has a post-vacation glow and Dina beams from an amazing otter encounter. Our smart and talented guests are writers B...

040 Can't Lit — It's a Wonderful Can't Lit

20 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Happy holidays, listeners! This episode has singing, laughing, shouting, seasonal stories, book recommendations, suggestions for places to donate thi...

039 Can't Lit — Zoe Whittall

28 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Oh wow! On this episode we have the amazing novelist, poet, TV writer and enjoyable person, Zoe Whittall! Her great novel, The Best Kind of People,...

BONUS — For Leonard Cohen

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Can't Lit, Daniel interviews Dina about late Canadian icon and her hero, Leonard Cohen. She talks about his influence, w...

038 Can't Lit — Adèle Barclay

26 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Hooray for Halloween candy and our supes special guest, secret matriarch and poetry witch, Adèle Barclay. As we munch on so many fun-sized chocolate ...

037 Can't Lit — Jen Sookfong Lee and Anakana Schofield

27 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Dina 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 ...

036 Can't Lit — Anthony Casey

29 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is jam-packed! Our smart and talented guest is all-year-round fun time, Anthony Casey! We talk about writing TV recaps and drag comedy (s...

035 Can't Lit — Chelene Knight

18 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a podcast brunch with our fantastic guest, Chelene Knight. We talk with her about her excellent poetry collection, Braided Skin, and her ...

034 Can't Lit — Vivek Shraya

27 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is here and your hosts get to bask in the talented glow of multi-hyphenate and human delight, Vivek Shraya! We talk about her new book, even th...

033 Can't Lit — Elee Kraljii Gardiner

29 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Strap on your skates, Can't Lit listeners! Wonderful writer and human Elee Kraljii Gardiner joins Dina and Daniel to talk about her debut poetry colle...

032 Can't Lit — Rosé

14 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The sun is shining and our guest is our dear friend, rosé. Daniel talks about his fun adventures and new home. Dina's Rage Minute makes its first app...

031 Can't Lit — Ben Rawluk

01 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Kick off Poetry Month with a new episode from your loving Can't Lit duo! This month superhero braniac and literary heartthrob Ben Rawluk joins us to...

030 Can't Lit — Charles Demers

02 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Oh boy! This episode is a real champ because we talk to Charles Demers, a.k.a Charlie, formerly a.k.a Chuck. We get into some serious topics like: chu...

029 Can't Lit — Carleigh Baker

15 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

It's the Can't Lit Bowl! Over bowls of snacks we ignore Super Bowl Sunday and talk to the delightful writer Carleigh Baker! We discuss chapbooks, inc...

028 Can't Lit — Sheryda Warrener

26 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 2016! Poet, chum and repeat guest Sheryda Warrener helps us ring in the first Can't Lit of the new year. We talk about January sads, Neko Atsu...