The Yaoi Shelf

Join hosts AuthorCarola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.

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76 episodes
Updated July 12
Explicit

Episodes76

Newest first

July 12 · 2 hr 22 min
The Twittering Birds Never Fly Birthday Special - The Yaoi Shelf
In this month's special episode, we celebrate our birthday month by reading podcast favorite: Twittering Birds Never Fly (Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai)! We'll discuss the themes, characters and the moody atmospheric world created by Kou Yoneda! Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
June 15 · 2 hr 44 min
Real Person Fiction (RPF)
In this month's episode, hosts Amanda and Carola discuss Real Person Fiction: the ethics, the history and our experience with RPF as fans. oin hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
May 24 · 1 hr 30 min
The Mainstreamification of Fandom- BONUS Episode: Paging Dr. Thomas
The Yaoi Shelf welcomes Dr. Thomas Baudinette for a deeper discussion on the mainstreamification of BL and yaoi. Together, we explore how Boys’ Love evolved from a niche fandom genre into a global media phenomenon, and the cultural conversations that came with it. From commercialization and changing fandom spaces to representation, authenticity, and the impact of global audiences, this episode examines the complexities of BL’s growing visibility in modern media culture. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
May 10 · 2 hr 30 min
The Mainstreamification of BL and Yaoi
Yaoi has gone mainstream. It's never been more popular or easier to be a #fujo but is all that glitters truly gold? And what do we lose as this vibrant and diverse fandom becomes more and more part of mainstream culture? In this episode, hosts Amanda and Carola discuss the infamous New Yorker article about fujoshis, the Syundei situation and how being normiepilled isn't great for the BL community. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
April 19 · 2 hr 17 min
The Shoujo to Fujin Pipeline
In this episode, hosts Amanda and Carola break hiatus to discuss shoujo's impact on the world of BL from the good, iconic to the morally questionable. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelfOur 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/V5d7tAGvUt
February 9 · 2 hr 32 min
How Fanfic Language Has Changed
In this episode, hosts Amanda and Carola discuss the longstanding BL tradition of fanfiction, how its changed over the years and some of the ways fanfic used to be written and approached. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf Our 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/V5d7tAGvUt
January 19 · 2 hr 33 min
The Vintage OVA Special
In this episode of The Yaoi Shelf, hosts Amanda and Carola discuss Yaoi OVAs, their importance in BL fandom and why we don't see OVAs like we used to.Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelfOur 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/V5d7tAGvUtSupport The Hosts as Writers: Amanda’s AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Aic...Carola’s Book: Getbook.at/ChangeofHeartBL
Dec 7, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
How We Used to Keep Up with BL News with Special Guest: Tylor Starr
In the Season 6 Finale, hosts Amanda and Carola are joined by BL Industry Legend: Tylor Starr! We'll cover keeping up with BL news past, present and future! Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Tylor's Links: Twitter: https://x.com/hoshitylor BluPetal: https://linktr.ee/blupetal To Be a Contributor: info@blupetal.net Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf Our 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Hosts as Writers: Amanda’s AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/AichiYume/works Carola’s Book: Getbook.at/ChangeofHeartBL
Nov 10, 2025 · 2 hr 28 min
Fanservice & Queerbaiting
In this month's episode, Amanda and Carola discuss the somewhat controversial topic of fanservice and queerbaiting when it comes to BL, queer media, fandom and more. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelfOur 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Hosts as Writers: Amanda’s AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/AichiYume/works Carola’s Book: Getbook.at/ChangeofHeartBL
Oct 13, 2025 · 3 hr
The Summer Hikaru Died Special & The Bury Your Gays Trope
Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. In this month’s episode and in honor of the Halloween Season, hosts Amanda and Carola, discuss the hit horror series The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren, thoughts on the series and the pervasive Bury Your Gays Trope in media. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf Our 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Hosts as Writers: Amanda’s AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/users/AichiYume/works Carola’s Book: Getbook.at/ChangeofHeartBL
Sep 14, 2025 · 1 hr 58 min
Sexual Politics- What Gets to be BL with Dr. Khursten Santos
In this month's episode, hosts Amanda and Carola are joined by BL academic superstar: Dr. Khursten Santos! We'll discuss the BL Odo, Dr. Khursten's research and what exactly gets to be BL? Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Our 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf Dr. Khursten's Article: https://www.academia.edu/44338160/The_Bitches_of_Boys_Love_comics_the_Pornographic_Response_of_Japans_rotten_women Follow Dr. Khursten: https://x.com/khursten https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wmveyvulbgjwoj6w5yha64rh
Aug 17, 2025 · 2 hr 15 min
The Katekyo! (Private Teacher!) Special
In this episode of The Yaoi Shelf, hosts Amanda and Carola discuss Katekyo! (Private Teacher!) by the manga legend Moegi Yuu! Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
Jul 14, 2025 · 2 hr 21 min
The SasuNaru Birthday Special
Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. In this month's episode, hosts Amanda and Carola celebrate their birthday month by discussing the pairing that kicked off the fujin journey for so many: SasuNaru! Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
Jun 16, 2025 · 2 hr 32 min
The Women Who Created BL
In this month's episode, join hosts Amanda and Carola as they celebrate Pride Month by discussing BL's female roots, the women who helped create the art form and how a very decidedly female origin molded BL into what it is! Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Our 18+ Discord Server: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
May 5, 2025 · 2 hr 1 min
Queering Shonen Anime and Manga
In this episode of The Yaoi Shelf, hosts Amanda and Carola will discuss queering shonen anime and manga, queer theory and why so many of our favorite pairings come from decidedly non-BL series. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X
Mar 10, 2025 · 2 hr 14 min
Gay Sports Anime and Manga
In this episode of The Yaoi Shelf, join hosts Amanda and Carola as they discuss the emotional highs and turbulent lowers of sports anime that feels a little too queer not to notice! Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf.Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelfDiscord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X
Feb 2, 2025 · 2 hr 20 min
BL Misogyny
In this episode, join hosts Amanda and Carola in a discussion about misogyny in the BL fandom and in BL works, how to best combat it and the importance of dialectics in fan communities. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Our 18+ Discord: https://discord.gg/xTjVvf4E4X Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
Jan 6, 2025 · 2 hr 6 min
The BL Economy and BL Economics
Welcome to the start of a brand new season! In this episode, Amanda and Carola talk about fujin spending power, the BL economy and how fujin and fangirls have always been the backbone of fandom. Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
Dec 9, 2024 · 1 hr 58 min
The Clueless Uke Trope
Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. We did it! An entire year of The Yaoi Shelf is in the books! In this episode, your hosts discuss The Clueless Uke trope, it's reign of terror and how to write better and more complex characters. Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf
Nov 11, 2024 · 2 hr 25 min
Our Bad Taste in Fictional Men
Join hosts Author Carola and AichiYume in a fun jaunt to The Yaoi Shelf: an exploration of yaoi, shonen ai, and boy's love while discussing tropes, media criticism and more along the way. Grab a seat and get comfy, welcome to The Yaoi Shelf. In this month's episode, hosts Amanda and Carola run from their issues and into the arms of their favorite bad fictional men. We discuss the social aspect of loving not so great fictional men, why we keep going out of our way to say fictional and the implications of calling a fictional man "babygirl". Important Links: https://theyaoishelf.carrd.co/ Support The Show: patreon.com/TheYaoiShelf

The Yaoi Shelf

The Twittering Birds Never Fly Birthday Special - The Yaoi Shelf

Real Person Fiction (RPF)

The Mainstreamification of Fandom- BONUS Episode: Paging Dr. Thomas

The Mainstreamification of BL and Yaoi

The Shoujo to Fujin Pipeline

How Fanfic Language Has Changed

The Vintage OVA Special

How We Used to Keep Up with BL News with Special Guest: Tylor Starr

Fanservice & Queerbaiting

The Summer Hikaru Died Special & The Bury Your Gays Trope

Sexual Politics- What Gets to be BL with Dr. Khursten Santos

The Katekyo! (Private Teacher!) Special

The SasuNaru Birthday Special

The Women Who Created BL

Queering Shonen Anime and Manga

Gay Sports Anime and Manga

BL Misogyny

The BL Economy and BL Economics

The Clueless Uke Trope

Our Bad Taste in Fictional Men