The Story of Saiunkoku (with Dee of Josei Next Door)

The Story of Saiunkoku (with Dee of Josei Next Door)

Author: Ashley McDonnell July 5, 2022 Duration: 1:23:29
Discusses all 9 volumes of THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, written by Sai Yukino and illustrated by Kairi Yura. ASHLEY: I'm like, 'I could have been a better person if I'd read [The Story of Saiunkoku] 10 years ago.' DEE: That's how we should have ended the no spoiler section! 'Read this manga, it will change your life.' In this episode, we're going to historical China for a semi-supernatural, extremely feminist manga adaptation of a light novel series. Dee, who makes the Josei Next Door blog and writes/edits for Anime Feminist, joins to discuss why this series never got its time in the spotlight in English like it deserves, why Shurei’s journey to fulfilling the seemingly impossible dream she has of becoming a civil servant is one of hope, and how Shurei's dad may just be the best dad in all of anime/manga, despite being a killer. We also, of course, talk about the gaggle of hot men in Shurei's life and her badass boss, Kochou.

Host Ashley McDonnell invites you into a space dedicated entirely to the heartfelt, dramatic, and wonderfully complex world of shojo and josei manga in Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast. Each episode dives deep into a single series, from foundational classics that defined the genre to contemporary hits that are shaping its future. You’ll hear Ashley and a different guest-each a dedicated superfan-break down the stories, characters, and artistic choices that make these series resonate so powerfully. It’s less a formal review and more like the energetic, detailed conversations you’d have with a friend who loves these stories just as much as you do, full of personal insights and genuine enthusiasm. Whether you’re looking to revisit beloved titles like "Cardcaptor Sakura" or "Fushigi Yuugi" or discover newer joys such as "My Love Story!!," this podcast serves as both a celebration and a critical appreciation. The discussions capture that specific thrill of connection when a fictional world feels utterly real, making every episode a chance to geek out over the narratives that make your heart race. Tune in for thoughtful analysis, shared nostalgia, and a welcoming community built around a shared passion for these impactful stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Preview Guide 6: Lord Hades' Ruthless Marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:49
Wondering if you should pick up LORD HADES' RUTHLESS MARRIAGE by Ueji Yuho? Ashley and Asher discuss the first volume of this new manga published by Yen Press, in which Lord Hades has been shot by one of Eros' arrows and…
Codename: Sailor V (with Honey and Vixen) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:10
Discusses all of the manga CODENAME: SAILOR V by Naoko Takeuchi. Before there was SAILOR MOON, there was CODENAME: SAILOR V. Or... maybe? Is that how the timeline lines up? Well, anyway. We're continuing our journey with…
Sailor Moon Pt. 2 (with Anne LaRose, creator of Shojo Power) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:14
This episode discusses the second half of the SAILOR MOON manga by Naoko Takeuchi. We're back to talk about the Infinity, Dream, and Stars arcs of the beloved SAILOR MOON series. Now that all the Sailor Guardians are her…
Sailor Moon Pt. 1 (with Anne LaRose, creator of Shojo Power) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:46
This episode discusses the first half of the SAILOR MOON manga by Naoko Takeuchi. It's our 100th main episode(!!), so we finally suck it up and cover one of the biggest shojo series of all time: SAILOR MOON. To start off…
Clamp School Detectives (with Asher Sofman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:59
A discussion about all three volumes of CLAMP SCHOOL DETECTIVES by CLAMP. We're rounding out the unofficial Clamp School trilogy with CLAMP SCHOOL DETECTIVES, which is actually a shojo series! Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira (fr…
Man of Many Faces by CLAMP (with Asher Sofman) [Shonen Exception #3] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:43
A discussion about the two-volume series MAN OF MANY FACES by CLAMP. This is a two-volume gag manga about a gentleman thief who's in elementary school named Akira. He has two moms who look identical to each other. He's p…
Alice 19th (with Chika and Giana from Shoujo Sundae) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:24
This episode discusses all seven volumes of ALICE 19TH by Yuu Watase. Sisters Alice Seno and Mayura Seno end up falling for the same handsome boy, Kyo, and their fight for his affection threatens to destroy the whole wor…