Read Clean YA with CJ
Discover your next adventure.
The podcast for teen and young adult readers who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories — without the objectionable content.
Hosted by award-winning young adult author, CJ Milacci.
Discover
Epic Stories
Have you ever started a story, only to find part-way in that it includes themes and elements that are, well, not something you want taking up space in your mind? You don’t have to worry about that here. We’ll talk about epic stories that you can enjoy without worrying about what you’ll find.
Dive into
Author Interviews
Ready to meet your next favorite author? Come listen in on interviews with authors where you’ll leave feeling like you just made a new friend. And learn who they are and why they write what they write.
Discuss
Deep Themes
Stories often convey so much more than just a fun escape into another world. We will discuss themes in stories that demonstrate deeper truths in a way that’s easy to grasp and apply to our lives.
What is Read Clean YA with CJ?
What does clean mean?
Note on Violence:
Many of the books reviewed are high-stakes, action and adventure, and contain violence and scary situations. There will be a note if the violence is graphic or gory.
Subscribe to the Podcast
New episodes released every Wednesday!
Want to make sure you don’t miss a single episode? Use the links below to subscribe using your preferred app, and the episodes will automatically download to your phone or computer.
Latest Episode
Discovering Hope in the Midst of Darkness and Exploring Difficult Themes in Stories with author Karyne Norton
Episode 25
April 17th, 2024
with CJ Milacci & Karyne Norton
In this episode of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews fellow author Karyne Norton about her debut epic fantasy novel, “Blood of the Stars”. The book, which launched on Kickstarter in September 2023 and is now available with retailers as of March 2024, is a story about descendants from stars, reluctant royalty, slow-burn romance, dragons, and unique creatures across over 600 pages.
Find the full episode show notes on your favorite podcast listening app!
Recent Episodes
Discovering Hope in the Midst of Darkness and Exploring Difficult Themes in Stories with author Karyne Norton
Read Clean YA with CJ Bonus Episode Twenty-FiveIn this episode of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews fellow author Karyne Norton about her debut epic fantasy novel, "Blood of the Stars". Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in...
Insider Access to a Sci-fi Fantasy Adventure with YA Author E.A. Hendryx
Read Clean YA with CJ Bonus Episode Twenty-FourIn this bonus episode, CJ Milacci interview E.A. Hendryx about her newest YA sci-fi fantasy novel, Falling Through the Black. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Get your early copy of...
In Search of Belonging: Unveiling the Themes of Identity and Acceptance with YA Author Jennifer Hallmark
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode Twenty-ThreeJoin CJ Milacci and Jennifer Hallmark as they dig deep in an author interview disscussing Jennifer's newest release, Smoking Flax, and the rich themes within the story. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in...
How Stories Can Powerfully Impact Our Lives with YA Author LE Richmond
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode Twenty-TwoJoin CJ Milacci and L.E. Richmond as they dive into an author interview and discuss Laura's YA Fairtale Retelling, The Mermaid's Tale. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Mermaid’s Tale...
Fantasy Japanese Worlds, Dragons, and Seeing the Value Within with YA Author Ellen McGinty
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode Twenty-OneJoin CJ Milacci and Ellen McGinty as they dive into an author interview and discuss Ellen's new YA Fantasy, Saints and Monsters. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Saints and Monsters(affiliate...
A Journey into Identity, Value, and Acceptance with YA Author Cathy McCrumb
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode TwentyIn this episode, CJ Milacci interviews young adult author Cathy McCrumb about her Consortium Trilogy. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Recorder (Book 1 of Children of the Consortium) (affiliate...
Medieval Intrigue, the Power of Influence, and Discovering True Leadership with YA Author Given Hoffman
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode NineteenIn this engaging interview, CJ Milacci and Given Hoffman discuss action and adventure in historical fiction, the power of influence, and embracing true leadership. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode...
Bridging Realms: Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Divine Timing with YA Author Karen Grunst
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode EighteenIn this fun interview, CJ Milacci and Karen Grunst discuss identity, belonging, and divine timing, focusing on Karen's Sacred Fire Saga. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Sacred Fire (affiliate...
Exploring Time, Purpose, and Faith in Dystopian Fiction with YA Author Nadine Brandes
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode SeventeenIn this engaging interview, CJ Milacci and Nadine Brandes discuss purpose, faith, and the power of stories, focusing on Nadine's Out of Time Series. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode A Time To Die...
Merry Christmas from Read Clean YA with CJ
Read Clean YA with CJ Episode SixteenMerry Christmas from Read Clean YA with CJ! Enjoy this short episode recap with a fun Christmasy surprise at the end. Episode Show Notes below Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Recruit of Talionis (affiliate link) CJ...
About Your Host
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis Series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Recruit of Talionis, Book 1
A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis?
Fugitive of Talionis, Book 2
They kidnapped her. Trained her. And now they’re hunting her.
Want to know as soon as an episode drops?
Are you an author of Clean YA Fiction?
If you write epic clean young adult stories, and you’re interested in being a guest on Read Clean YA with CJ, I would love to hear from you. Fill out this form to get started and see if we’re a good fit.
