BookSwell Intersections

Désirée Zamorano interview

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:09:02 -0700

Désirée Zamorano, author and educator, joins BookSwell Intersections host Cody Sisco to discuss Dispossessed, her powerful historical novel about mass deportations of Mexican Americans in 1930s Los Angeles. They explore the novel’s themes of invisibility and injustice, the inspiration behind its good-man protagonist, and the urgent parallels between past and present struggles for equity and representation.

Jase Peeples interview

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:41:53 -0700

Jase Peeples, award-winning journalist and author of Twirl and Square Zair Pair, joins host Cody Sisco in conversation about his debut YA MM romance novel in the competitive world of Color Guard. They discuss Jase's inspirations competing in and coaching the sport, writing about young love, San Francisco as a significant setting, and the power of representation in fiction for queer youth and families.

Joe McClean interview

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Joe McClean, screenwriter, director, and author of Sins of Survivors, joins host Cody Sisco in conversation about his debut novel rooted in the history of Black Bottom, Detroit. They discuss the Great Migration, the Carter brothers’ struggle to build an empire and leave their criminal pasts behind, the legacy of segregation and redlining, and adapting from screenwriting to prose. Joe shares how his research uncovered hidden histories, why he portrays the era’s violence unflinchingly, and what to expect in the upcoming sequel set during Detroit’s 1943 race riots.

Tisha Reichle-Aguilera interview

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:00:10 -0700

Tisha Reichle-Aguilera, poet, educator, and author of the YA novel Breaking Pattern, joins Cody Sisco in conversation about rodeo sports, growing up in Southern California, difficult family relationships, and challenging norms and expectations around gender roles and socio-economic status.

Lynne Thompson interview

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:19:22 -0700

Lynne Thompson, Fourth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, joins host Cody Sisco in conversation about her most recent collection of poetry, Blue on a Blue Palette. They discuss taking inspiration from the world, how women are both elevated and denigrated, palm trees, Black lives, poetic forms, and being a good poetry citizen. Lynne also reads three of her poems.

Rasheed Newson interview

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:50:06 -0800

Rasheed Newson, television writer and producer and author of My Government Means to Kill Me, discusses the fallout from the HIV/AIDS crisis. In conversation with host Cody Sisco, Rasheed talks about the ascendance of sex positivity thanks to PrEP, how his novel imagines a young gay Black man in 1980s New York encountering ACT UP, and the legacy of the Gay Liberation and Civil Rights movements.

Jessamyn Violet interview

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:40:45 -0700

Jessamyn Violet, author of Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar and musician, shares her musings on the power of music and more. In conversation with host Cody Sisco, Jessamyn discusses the rock and roll lifestyle, writing a true-to-life Hollywood coming-of-age novel, and the power of being an outsider.

Melissa Chadburn interview

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:11:55 -0800

Dr. Melissa Chadburn, author of A Tiny Upward Shove and self-proclaimed recovering journalist, shares her inspirations during this episode to re-launch the BookSwell Intersections podcast. In conversation with host Cody Sisco, Melissa discusses the foster care system, recovering her Filipina heritage and language to research and write her novel, the ethics of witnessing, and how to balance darkness and light.

Roxana Preciado reading and discussion

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:55:22 -0800

Roxana Preciado is an indie author and artist recognized for her work as a poet and activist. At the age of 12, Roxana started writing poetry as a coping mechanism to deal with her life challenges. She shares her story with others in hope that she can help anyone who is facing similar hardships.

Preciado has published four volumes of autobiographical poetry, most recent being Trauma for Sale. She continues to use her poetry and her story to support community engagement and activism to raise awareness about violence against women.

Reuben "Tihi" Haylsett interview and more

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:44:18 -0800

Reuben “Tihi” Hayslett discusses his novel Dark Corners with Running Wild Press publisher Lisa Kastner at a live recording of the BookSwell Intersections podcast. They talk about amplifying marginalized voices and centering queer people of color in fiction and publishing. Dan Lopez and Sarah LaBrie joined the discussion to recommend books they’ve enjoyed.

Note: this is a live taping of the BookSwell Intersections literary podcast.

“A gripping collection of yarns in which social disadvantages take on monstrous shapes.” — Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus’s starred review gives Dark Corners by Reuben “Tihi” Hayslett the boost that every author craves. In a publishing industry that continues to privilege white and male authors, how did Dark Corners come about and what comes next? BookSwell Intersections literary podcast host Cody Sisco will speak with “Tihi” and with Lisa Kastner, the publisher of Running Wild Press, which published Dark Corners and publishes stories that cross genres and writing that doesn’t fit neatly in a box.

Yodassa Williams interview

Mon, 18 May 2020 17:57:19 -0700

The coronavirus crisis can't stop art!

Cody Sisco interviews Yodassa Williams about her debut fantasy novel, The Goddess Twins, coming of age and finding one's voice, black girl magic and creativity, and the revelatory experience of going to Burning Man.

The last pre-pandemic LA lit discussion

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:27:57 -0700

This episode was recorded in the Rare Bird offices in DTLA in February 202 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Host Cody Sisco is joined by co-host Dan Lopez, special guests Viva Padilla from Dryland Lit, Julia Callahan from Rare Bird Lit, and interview guest Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo of Women Who Submit. We discussed #DignidadLiteraria and the fallout from American Dirt, barriers to inclusivity and equity in publishing, and how writers and publishers are navigating the changing literary landscape.

Carla Sameth interview and more

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:17:07 -0800

Happy New Year to all of our listeners! This week, we're here to help you get a jump start on your 2020 TBR list, with recommendations from our panel. Managing Editor Cody Sisco, along with Co-Hosts Rachelle Yousuf and Irene Yoon recap their year in reading and discuss what they'd like to see in the literary landscape next year.

Cody sits down with local LA author Carla Sameth to talk about her recent release, One Day on the Gold Line. They delve into religion, addiction, and the writing process, as well as their shared appreciation for the LA writing scene.

If your New Year's Resolution is to attend more literary events, Shannon Eagen has you covered with events for the whole family in early January.

Intentional Intersectionality highlights

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:17:32 -0700

The BookSwell Crew has been hard at work producing our Intentional Intersectionality reading and discussion as a part of the 2019 Lambda LitFest.

This week, we’re doing a debrief and recap on the somewhat stressful but deeply rewarding process of putting together a live literary event.

We’ve also included excerpts from the talented artists that Managing Editor Cody Sisco, Intersections Co-Host Rachelle Yousuf and BookSwell Advisor Sakae Manning gathered together at the Armory Arts Complex, including B.A. Williams, Evan Kleekamp, Reuben Hayslett, and Roxana Preciado. Enjoy the poetry and prose of these vital voices.

Finally, Shannon Eagen rounds out the episode with recommendations for literary events in the next two weeks, including a star studded event you should buy your ticket for ASAP!

Tori Eldridge interview and more

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 12:04:05 -0700

As temperatures are dropping and kids are going back to school, BookSwell Intersections co-hosts Cody, Dan, and Rachelle journeyed to the Central Library to take advantage of the wonderful facilities in the Octavia Lab. They catch up on recent literary events, the books they’ve been gravitating towards lately, and the exciting event that Cody and Rachelle have been hard at work planning, alongside Sakae Manning. They also discuss the legacy of Toni Morrison, and the silver lining of resurgent interest in the works of recently departed authors.

After that, Cody chats with Tori Eldridge as she prepares for her first published novel, The Ninja Daughter. She examines how her heritage and cultural legacy informed her contemporary LA Noir, and the circuitous route she took to becoming a novelist after being an actress, dancer, and fifth-degree black belt in To Shin Do Ninjutsu.

Finally, Shannon gives a rundown of some of the events we’re most excited about in the upcoming 3rd Annual Lambda LitFest.

Sehba Sarwar interview and more

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:19:00 -0700

First BookSwell shares highlights from the inaugural Little Literary Fair, or LITLIT where Managing Editor Cody Sisco was joined by co-host Rachelle Yousuf for this "pop-up book fair" at Hauser and Wirth in DTLA to chat about what they've been reading lately. Cody also conducted a series of flash interviews with Rachel Wills, Candace Miller, and Katelyn Keating at LITLIT that are short, sweet and packed with information. After that, Cody sits down for a longer conversation with author, activist, and artist Sehba Sarwar. Sehba's novel, Black Wings, was finally released in the US earlier this year, after originally being published in Pakistan in 2004. Keep up with all of Sehba's readings, art performances and publications on her website. Rounding out the episode, Shannon Eagen discusses some upcoming literary events that will be particularly appealing to writers and creators of their own content.

Sanura Williams interview and more

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:42:24 -0700

We are at the height of Summer Reading Season, and this episode is jam-packed with book recommendations from our co-hosts Cody Sisco, Sarah LaBrie, Rachelle Yousuf and Dan Lopez. They chat what they love and what they hate in bookish events, how the setting of a story can be a character of its own, and revelations (or lack thereof) in celebrity memoirs. They're joined by Sanura Williams, from My Lit Box, who is dedicated to promoting the work of authors of color through her literary subscription box. My LitBox would be a perfect gift for the indecisive book lover in your life--Sanura picks hot new releases and mails them straight to your door (along with some other literary goodies!). Finally, if you've been out of town on a summer vacation, why not hit up some literary events that celebrate LA while you're home? Shannon Eagen has event recommendations for the next two weeks of July that are all about Los Angeles locals.

Shonda Buchanan interview and more

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:15:12 -0700

Dan Lopez and Cody Sisco discuss Michelle Obama's runaway hit, Becoming, and Dan recommends books that fill his current obsessions--LGBTQ YA and Sci-Fi! After that, enjoy Cody's conversation with Shonda Buchanan that covers the history of World Stage Press, Leimert Park and Shonda's own imprint at Tsehai Publishers-- Harriet Tubman Press. And finally, are you looking for events that don't feature the typical glossy beach reads of the summer season? Shannon has you covered with some June book signings (and a book club!) celebrating slightly less mainstream genres. Enjoy!

Roxana Preciado interview and more

Mon, 27 May 2019 09:47:47 -0700

Jump start your summer with reading recommendations from Cody Sisco, Sarah LaBrie, and Irene Yoon. After that, Cody sits down with Roxana Preciado, to talk about her writing process and her incredible triumphs in the face of adversity. Finally, June is Pride Month, and Shannon Eagen has selected some great events focused on LGBTQ authors for you to attend in the next two weeks.

Julayne Lee interview and more

Tue, 14 May 2019 08:22:59 -0700

Cody Sisco and Dan Lopez debrief on the LA Times Festival of Books, Dan's new job in publishing, and theatrical literature featuring LGBTQ characters. Cody interviews poet, activist, and inter-country adoptee Julayne Lee. Her memoir in poems, Not Your White Savior, shares her journey as an adoptee from South Korean who is placed in a Midwestern Christian family. Shannon Eagen shares recommendations for the LitFest Pasadena.

Judith Teitelman interview and more

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 11:41:54 -0700

First up, a one-on-one chat between BookSwell Managing Editor Cody Sisco and Intersections Co-Host Rachelle Yousuf, who gives the rundown on upcoming festival YALL West and great YA recommendations. Cody then sits down with author Judith Teitelman to chat about her debut novel, Guesthouse for Ganesha. It's magical realism and spiritual transformation in one delightful novel. Finally, Contributor Shannon Eagen will tease some fantastic events in the first two weeks of May.

Lynelle George interview and more

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:27:29 -0700

For Episode 4, Cody, Sarah, Irene, and Rachelle gathered to chat about struggling to finish books, the nature of time and space, and escaping the LA bubble. Cody then sat down with local author and journalist Lynell George, author of After/Image: Los Angeles Outside the Frame to discuss the importance of place and community in the arts. And finally, Shannon is back to guide you through events coming up in the final two weeks of the month.

Patrick Nathan interview and more

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:49:52 -0700

To kick things off, Cody Sisco does a lighting round book roundup with Sarah Labrie. After that, Cody interviews rising literary star Patrick Nathan, whose debut novel, Some Hell, was a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice, and is a 2019 Lamdba Literary Award finalist. Finally, BookSwell Contributor Shannon Eagen is here to give a roundup of some of the "can't miss" events for lit fans that are looking to support underrepresented voices in our crowded literary scene.

Confessions from the Los Angeles literary scene

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:10:25 -0700

We're back for Episode 2! Cody Sisco is joined once again by Irene Yoon, Sarah LaBrie, and Dan Lopez. Rachelle Yousuf is our latest addition to the Intersections crew. In this episode, they confess to skipping events to stay home and read, turning away from literary fiction, and admiring local authors who truly capture the spirit of Los Angeles in their work.

Introducing Cody Sisco, Irene Yoon, Dan Lopez, and Sarah LaBrie

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 10:33:08 -0800

For our first episode, BookSwell’s Managing Editor Cody Sisco sat down with Director of the LA Review of Books/USC Publishing workshop Irene Yoon, professional book club facilitator Sarah Labrie, and local author/bookseller Dan Lopez. This week they address the best events they’ve been to recently, the March events they can’t wait for, and underrepresented authors finding mainstream audiences.