Diary of an Ex-English Major

Diary of an Ex-English Major
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Diary of an Ex-English Major is a podcast dedicated to demystifying literary study and the life beyond it. Hosted by Deja, a blogger and literature PhD student, the podcast explores the impact and the particulars of studying the written word through both solo episodes and interviews with former English majors.

  1. 08/14/2025

    The Power of Teaching Literature with PhD Student Renee

    Deja interviews Renee, an ex-English major and current English Literature doctoral student. The two discuss discuss Renee's path into academia as a mature student, Toni Morrison, as well as the importance of keeping Black literature in the classroom.  Books Mentioned: Scattered and Fugitive Things: How Black Collectors Created Archives and Remade History by Laura E. HeltonBlack Girlhood in the Nineteenth Century by Nazera Wright

  2. 06/12/2025

    The Book Review in the 21st Century

    In this episode, Deja discusses her entree into English graduate study, blurring the lines between literary criticism and book reviews, and the function of the book review in the 21st century. Citations bell hooks, "The Oppositional Gaze" - https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/postgraduate/masters/modules/femlit/bell_hooks.pdf "The End of the University and the Future of Criticism," Point Magazine's Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/thepointmag/p/can-criticism-survive-inside-the?r=5hhw6c&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false Blog: https://cityofdeja.com Podcast Instagram: @diaryofanexengmajor

  3. 05/01/2025 ·  Bonus

    The New Age Reader Aesthetic (Bonus)

    Bonus Episode [From the Archives]. Note: This episode was recorded in January 2024. In this bonus episode, Deja discusses the new age reader aesthetic and social media bookish influencers in the contemporary moment. Citations ​Barry Pierce, “In the shallow world of BookTok, being ‘a reader’ is more important than actually reading.” https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/booktok-tiktok-books-community ​Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, “Reading is precious – which is why I’ve been giving away my books.” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/23/reading-is-precious-but-the-cult-of-book-ownership-can-be-smug-and-middle-class My reviews of The Atlas Complex and HOFAS have since been published on my blog: ​House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas: A Lengthy, Cheesy, Whirlwind (Review). http://cityofdeja.com/2024/08/01/house-of-flame-and-shadow-book-review/ ​Book Review: The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake. http://cityofdeja.com/2024/03/21/book-review-the-atlas-complex-by-olivie-blake/ Blog: https://cityofdeja.com

  4. 05/28/2024

    Embracing the Unconventional with English Graduate Student Adrienne

    Deja interviews Adrienne, an ex-English and Writing double major and current English master's student at the University of British Columbia. The two discuss continuing English education in grad school, the value of studying literature, as well as the importance of being a life long learner. Blog: ⁠cityofdeja.com

  5. 02/26/2024

    Taylor Swift & Putting the Humanities into Practice

    In this season 2 premiere, Deja discusses putting the humanities into practice and conducts a close reading of Taylor Swift lyrics from songs "the lakes" and "All Too Well (10 Minute Version). " Citations UT Austin Taylor Swift Course Article - https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/news/ut-english-course-takes-a-swift-turn List of Colleges with Taylor Swift Classes - https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/these-colleges-have-taylor-swift-classes/ Why Taylor Swift Belongs on English Literature Degree Courses - https://theconversation.com/why-taylor-swift-belongs-on-english-literature-degree-courses-219660 Evolution of Snake: The Taylor Swift Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/70xT4aA9FayuPmrRAbMrSn The Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms (Book) Blog: cityofdeja.com

  6. 10/22/2023

    The Bookstagram Effect with Ex-English Major Jill

    Deja interviews Jill, an ex-English Literature major and bookstagrammer from the account @booknerd_reads. The two discuss Jill's longtime reader status, publishing internships, and the ins and outs of the bookstagram community. Jill's bookstagram: @booknerd_reads

  7. 09/24/2023

    Storytelling is Powerful with Ex-Creative Writing Major Alyx

    Deja interviews ex-Creative Writing major Alyxandria Ang, a podcast host, online content creator, and mental health advocate. In this episode, the two discuss the power of storytelling, shifting career paths, the woes of bookish content creation, and more. A is for Anxious: A Podcast Diary - https://open.spotify.com/show/0YNCdjhhnEGhLeVASWrW5v Alyx's Instagram - @alyxandriaang Alyx's YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/@alyxandriaang

  8. 08/30/2023

    Following Your Curiosity with Ex-Journalism Major Ryley

    Deja interviews Ryley, an ex-Journalism major by way of an English department. The two discuss the the process of following your curiosity and creativity, the character building that’s yielded from studying the humanities, questionable BookTok recommendations, and more.  Spors Girls Club Tiktok: @sportsgirlsclub Podcast Instagram: ⁠@diaryofanexengmajor⁠ Blog: ⁠https://cityofdeja.com

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About

Diary of an Ex-English Major is a podcast dedicated to demystifying literary study and the life beyond it. Hosted by Deja, a blogger and literature PhD student, the podcast explores the impact and the particulars of studying the written word through both solo episodes and interviews with former English majors.

Information

  • Creator
    Diary of an Ex-English Major
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Diary of an Ex-English Major
  • Show Website
    Diary of an Ex-English Major