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Recent episodes
717. Archangel’s Finale with Nalini Singh
May 8, 2026
Unknown duration
716. Here for All the Reasons: Bachelor Critique With Ilana Masad and Stevie K. Seibert Desjarlais
May 1, 2026
Unknown duration
715. Books, Wine & Nachos at Joie de Livres, with Claire Trottier
Apr 24, 2026
Unknown duration
714. The Edge of Space-Time with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Apr 17, 2026
Unknown duration
713. Enemies to Lovers with Alisha Rai
Apr 10, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 5/8/26 | ![]() 717. Archangel’s Finale with Nalini Singh | Nalini Singh is back to talk about Archangel’s Eternity, which I have been calling “Archangel’s Finale.”We’ve got questions from readers and listeners, and some behind the scenes details about how Nalini organizes the massive worlds she’s built in her series.Plus she teases some major surprises for the next Psy-Changeling book, and what she’s working on right now.You can find the video of this episode on our YouTube channel if you’d like to watch us!You can find Nalini Singh at her website, NaliniSingh.com, and on Instagram and Facebook as AuthorNaliniSingh.Do not miss the chance to sign up for her newsletter!We also mentioned:Nalini’s virtual event with the Ashland Public Library on Wednesday, June 10!The next Psy-Changeling book is Cold Redemption, coming out in December 1, 2026.Nalini’s prior episodes:676. Exploring Atonement Sky with Nalini Singh489. Archangel’s Light with Nalini Singh409. Alpha Night and Alpha Women With Nalini Singh361. Playing Verbal Poker with Nalini Singh356. Our Book Club Discussion of Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh24. An Interview with Nalini Singh...Support for this episode comes from The Undergrads: Student Union by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Julie Murphy–a sexy new rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101. Ali Hazelwood calls The Undergrads: Student Union “one addictively swoony book.” Available now wherever books are sold!...This episode is brought to you by Hatch, producers of Ophelia, an original audio drama, inspired by Hamlet, where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character. Book one of the three part series is now available for free wherever you stream, with new chapters dropping every Tuesday. For books 2 and 3, check out hatch.co/Ophelia.Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a sample of Ophelia, brought to you by Hatch.co! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 5/1/26 | ![]() 716. Here for All the Reasons: Bachelor Critique With Ilana Masad and Stevie K. Seibert Desjarlais | Programming note: this week's episode is dropping on 30 April 2026. Smart Bitches Trashy Books, LLC, is withdrawing our labor on May 1, 2026, alongside other companies, school districts, and activists as part of the May Day Nationwide Day of Collective Action. For more information, visit MayDayStrong.org. ...Ilana Masad and Stevie K. Seibert Desjarlais are the editors of a new and excellent anthology called Here for All The Reasons: Why We Watch the Bachelor.The essays inside are incredible, and provide deep and incisive critique of The Bachelor franchise from people who love, or used to love it deeply. Some of the topics blew my mind. I was so excited to talk to Ilana and Stevie about their work, and we happened to record just as the latest season of The Bachelorette was cancelled, so we talk about that as well.If you like deep examinations of pop culture and of properties typically dismissed as meaningless fluff – hello, yes, I do! – you’ll have fun with us today.We’re going to talk about conservative fantasy, polyamory, grad school, changing portrayals of masculinity in reality tv, media literacy and so much more.As I say during our conversation, I think the best critiques of things come from people who are fans.TW/CW: At about 50 minutes into the interview, we discuss allegations of domestic violence from Taylor Frankie Paul, and at 1 hour and 20 minutes, we discuss the loss of their friend Dr. Katie McWain, to whom the book is dedicated....You can find Ilana Masad at her website, IlanaMasad.com. She’s on Bluesky @IlanaSlightly, and on Instagram @Ilanaslightlyignorant.You can read Ilana’s article, “How ‘The Bachelor’ Franchise Celebrates Polyamory” from the March 2018 issue of Playboy via the Web Archive. Stevie’s work can be found at The Quarterly Review of Film and Television, The Journal of Pedagogy, The Journal of Popular Film and Television, and The Popular Culture Studies Journal. You can read “From Nobody to Nurturing: Skeptical Action Heroes Seek (and Find) Different Masculinity” online in the Popular Culture Studies Journal, Vol. 13, Issue 2 (PDF)We also discussed:“Media Literacy and Education in Finland” – Finland ToolboxThe Finnish National Curriculum on Media Literacy: A Global Model for Education“Geriaction” The Call Your Coven podcast“Under the Mormon Influence: How the women of Utah blogged and posted their way into American hearts and Wallets” by Bridget Read, 9 Feb. 2026 – The Cut (Paywalled)...This episode is brought to you by Hatch.You know how you finish a romantasy and you just need the next thing immediately? Hatch made that thing.It’s called Ophelia — an original audio drama, inspired by Hamlet, where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character.Forbidden magic, a crumbling kingdom, a slow-burn love triangle with a prince and his very guarded, very intriguing, best friend. The kind of love triangle where you will absolutely pick a side and you will not be quiet about it.Book one of the three part series is now available for free wherever you stream, with new chapters dropping every Tuesday. For books 2 and 3, check out hatch.co/Ophelia....Music: Purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/24/26 | ![]() 715. Books, Wine & Nachos at Joie de Livres, with Claire Trottier | Thanks for Geoffroy in the podcast Patreon (merci, Geoffrey!) my guest this week is Claire Trottier, owner of Joie de Livres, a romance and speculative fiction bookshop in Montreal, Canada. Hi Neighbors!We’re going to talk about:Opening a romance and speculative fiction book storeWealth disparity!Seeing the world premiere of episode 1 of Heated Rivalry at the Image+National queer film festival in MontrealThe effect of Heated Rivalry on Joie de LivresThen we trade book recs and you get the scoop on the big event happening at Joie de Livres this September.You can find Joie de Livres at their website, and on Instagram @joie.de.libres.mtl!Claire Trottier is on IG as @docreads and @clairetrottier_.We also mentioned:Patriotic Millionaires CanadaPatriotic Millionaires USResource GenerationResource MovementBookclub Bar, NY Image+Nation Film Festival Music: puple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/17/26 | ![]() 714. The Edge of Space-Time with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein | When you subscribed to this podcast, I bet you thought, “When is Sarah going to interview an expert on theoretical physics ?” Today is your day!My guest is Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein author of the book The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie.And if you’re thinking, I was really bad at physics – don’t worry, so was I. I found this book to be both incredibly engaging and just the right amount of challenging. Dr. Prescod-Weinstein is going to explain space-time, and how theoretical physics, Black feminist theory, Robert Frost, and the cosmos are all connected.If you held your breath during the liftoff of Artemis II, and were crying when they splashed down safety, not to worry – so was I. I was extremely excited to interview Dr. Prescod-Weinstein, and the timing is perfect. We are in good hands....Support for this episode comes from The Awkward Agenda by Beth Morton, an open-door romance featuring friends-to-lovers, found family, and pirate cosplay, available now digitally in Kindle Unlimited, and in print from retailers everywhere. ...You can find Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein’sPersonal website: http://chanda.scienceNewsletter: http://news.chanda.scienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanda.prescod.weinstein/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chanda.bsky.socialYou can find the abstract for her work, “The Cosmos is a Black Aesthetic” at Duke University Press.We also mentioned NASA’s image collection. ...Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/10/26 | ![]() 713. Enemies to Lovers with Alisha Rai | My guest this week is podcast community favorite Alisha Rai! We start off catching up on our history of podcasting together, our life changes, and the challenges of making children wear coats.Then it’s enemies to lovers time! Her new book, Enemies to Lovers is out now, and we both brought the good trowels. We dig into the trope to examine how it works, what the essential elements are, and what can easily go wrong. Along the way we touch on:How much we miss buddy road trip comediesThe weight of being an elder daughterAnd her perspective on the threat of AI to authorsVideo is available on our YouTube channel!Special thanks to the sponsor for this episode: Sotto Voce Scents! Listeners get 15% off with code SMART15! Sotto Voce Scents creates candles inspired by romance novels, like their bestsellers, "Scoundrelwood" and "Rosemary Me." Look for "Only One Bed" and the "Grumpy/Sunshine" duo coming this spring!Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 | ![]() 712. Like, Follow, Subscribe: The Cost of A Childhood Online with Fortesa Latifi | You’ve been hearing me talk about this book for awhile, and I am so excited to share with you my conversation with Fortesa Latifi, author of Like, Follow, Subscribe: The Cost of a Childhood Online. Her research into family vloggers and influencers is superb and I’m still thinking about some of the revelations in this book.We discuss the origins of influencing and family vlogging, the benefits and the harms that arise from becoming popular, and the emotional, financial, social, and personal costs of that relative fame.CW/TW: this podcast episode contains discussions of child abuse, exploitation, sexual harassment, and pedophilia. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/27/26 | ![]() 711. RT Rewind: July 2000 Ads & Features | We are back in the time machine, heading to July 2000 to check out the Ads & Features from Romantic Times Magazine!We’re going to talk about Geocities websites, author research, and Hands.Lots of Hands.This one is a little spicy, y’all! At about 45 minutes in there’s an extended discussion of anal in romance fiction (as you do) and at about 50 minutes in, we discuss death, mortuary science, and make some allusions to decomposition.That’s right. Dead bodies and anal sex. This episode is a banger. Don't miss the visual aids! Or, watch the show on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/20/26 | ![]() 710. Writing Characters with Chronic Illness (Plus Restaurant Recs!!) with Riss M. Neilson | Riss M. Neilson joins me today to talk about her new romance, The Bridge Back to You. This is a second chance love story between two exes who unexpectedly inherit shares of the same restaurant – the restaurant that he runs, and that she kind of ran away from.There is so much to discuss in this book: we talk about characters with chronic illnesses like endometriosis, or mental illnesses like OCD. We talk about the astrology of her characters and what insights she can gain from their charts, and then, she gives us a list of restaurants to try if we’re ever in Providence, Rhode Island. And Riss even expands my theory about which foods are the universal expression of human love....Support for this episode comes from Savage Bonds by EV Mitchell, a gritty, paranormal slow-burn body-positive romance with lots of spice, some knotting, and shared psychic sexytimes. Savage Bonds is available now in Kindle Unlimited, or in print from the author's website or your local library! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/13/26 | ![]() 709. RT Rewind: July 2000 Reviews | We're back in the time machine, heading to July 2000 - for real this time - to check out the reviews in this issue of Romantic Times magazine!We’ve got anthologies, Carpathians, and several books where we’re pretty sure the happy ending is to throw the entire man away. We also debate who is possessed by demons because it’s a valid question for several of the books we talk about. A mild warning that when we discuss Mystery & Thriller there is a truly gross plot. It’s a doozy. And you can watch this one on YouTube if you like! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/6/26 | ![]() 708. From the Vault: Sociology, Romance, and Community with Drs. Jen Lois and Joanna Gregson | Thank you for joining me for a “from the vault” episode! This is episode 147, originally aired June 26, 2015, so almost 11 years ago.Drs. Jen Lois and Joanna Gregson did a multi-year study on the community of romance authors and I have never stopped thinking about it. In this conversation, we’re talking about that study, what they learned about romance as a community, especially about gender dynamics.You can find their published work based on this study in the following articles – these link to the abstract because I don’t have a membership to this academic database.Aspirational Emotion Work: Calling, Emotional Capital, and Becoming a “Real” WriterSneers and Leers: Romance Writers and Gendered Sexual Stigma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
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| 2/27/26 | ![]() 707. RT Rewind: June 1997 Ads & Features | Amanda and I are traveling back to June 1997 to discuss:Touring inside author’s homes and whether we think it’s kinda intrusive and uncomfortableNeverending reader hate for “the F word”The fans used to blow back cover models’ hairAnd speaking of, what’s on the Cover Model Pageant contestant’s heads?And more!We DO have a video episode for this one with images – you can find it on your YouTube channel. And you can find the visual aids for this one below.We have so many links! Are you ready!Mental Floss: The origin of “Live, Laugh, Love”Janelle James and Connor Storrie on the red carpet (Reddit link with video)Links from Steve Ammidown about Genesis Press:1980-2000 Black Publishers – Black Romance Publishers: Representation vs. Exploitation by Sophie Kebret (Unsuitable/Duke University)Authors Cite Problems with Genesis Press by Calvin Reid | Sep 15, 2006, Publishers Weekly (Archive link)One Perfect Rose hardcover – eBayThe Instagram account of Aureltattoo, who dances in front of a fanVisual Aids are at SBTB! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/20/26 | ![]() 706. The Astral Library with Kate Quinn | Kate Quinn’s new book, The Astral Library, is out this week and I was so excited to not only get an advanced copy but an opportunity to interview Kate Quinn.We talk about the inspiration for this very magical book, and about books that are sanctuaries. We also talk about library advocacy, book banning, and the deadly threat of bureaucracy.My favorite thing that Kate says: “When you love a book, it also loves you.”You can find Kate Quinn at her website, KateQuinnAuthor.com. She’s on Instagram @KateQuinn5975.We also mentioned:Patricia C. Wrede’s Fantasy Worldbuilding ChecklistSylvie’s Book Dresses on Instagram @sylviefaconcreatricefranceThe Tumblr post about hope that became a poem and a parody of Dr. Seuss.Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/13/26 | ![]() 705. RT Rewind: June 1997 Reviews | Amanda and I are back, deep diving into romance and pop culture history with issue 1997 of Romantic Times Magazine. The cover reads Love, Lust, Laugh, and we’ve got some vintage books to talk about. Then we talk about what books we’re most looking forward to right now, and what we’re currently reading.In two weeks we will be back with the ads & features, and you know a magazine from the 90s has the most excellent collection of cover art.And if you like video episodes, this episode is available in video format for everyone on Sunday at our You Tube channel.…Major Trigger Warning in this episode: At 20:24 we have a brief conversation about an author featured in the magazine who was the victim of a family annihilation. Immediately following, the book I discuss contains mentions of child loss, infertility, and infidelity. Skip ahead 2 and a half minutes.We also mentioned:Amanda’s TBR Takedown board game: “Gamify Your TBR”Greenland sharks! Solved HaBO: “She Served as Head of Her Father’s Army”Romance History with Steve Ammidown: “Lest We Forget” (trigger warning: family annihilation)If you or someone you know is in danger from domestic or intimate partner violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1.800.799.7233, or you can text START to 88788.Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/6/26 | ![]() 704. JQ Editions with Julia Quinn | My guest this week is Julia Quinn and we are talking about, of course, JQ Editions, a new subscription service creating special limited editions of historical romances. I’ve been writing about this since it was announced, and so I got to ask all my questions – and some of yours.Along the way we talk about the historical romance genre, administrative mayhem, and the practicalities of creating special editions of beloved books. Plus you get to hear my reaction when Julia shares some of the 2027 titles.Thank you to Verity, Sue, and Alanna for the questions!You can find Julia Quinn on her website, JuliaQuinn.com, and on Instagram @JuliaQuinnAuthor, and on Facebook at AuthorJuliaQuinn.You can find out more about JQ Editions at JQEditions.com.We also mentioned:Germ and Worm - a travel health podcastEvery Library Jeni's Ice Cream: Bridgerton Collection! Julia Quinn on The Today Show Episode with former romance author and CDC specialist Dr. Jennifer McQuiston122. Ponies, Ebola, and Historical Romance: An Interview with Jennifer McQuiston171. Once More with Ebola and Romance: An Interview Jennifer McQuiston...Do you like to listen to your favorite podcasts on YouTube? Find our latest episodes at on YouTube @SmartPodcastTrashyBooks - and please subscribe. I had to start the channel over.Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/30/26 | ![]() 703. Oscars and Gossip with Kayleigh Donaldson | Kayleigh Donaldson is back! She is the guest on some of the most popular episodes, and I know what that is: she’s brilliant. We recorded this just before the Oscar nominations were announced, so Kayleigh is making (some pretty accurate!) predictions about Oscar nominations, and explaining what makes this year’s group of films so interesting.Along the way we also talk about vintage Hollywood gossip, character actors who go weird gremlin, and the way actors shape public narrative with their project choices, their fashion, and their cosmetic procedures. And also – Scotland made the World Cup – woohoo!I love talking to people who think about their favorite aspects of popular culture the way I think about romance fiction, and I already know you love when Kayleigh is a guest. Don’t worry, she will be back.Technical note: we had some connectivity issues and delay during the recording, so I don’t have a full video episode for this one, though I do have clips, so watch for them on social media. You might hear some muddy audio, and I apologize. Please know I did all the things I could.CW/TW: At about 2 minutes in, we talk about Elizabeth Taylor’s abusive first husband. We also talk about body and beauty standards in Hollywood.Patreon folks, you have an extended episode inside your Patreon feed with a whole extra hour of discussion about the Beckhams, the industry of celebrity children, and more....You can find Kayleigh Donaldson at her website, KayleighDonaldson.com, on Bluesky, and on Pajiba.com. You can also sign up for her (excellent) newsletter, Gossip Reading Club.We also mentioned:The New Yorker: “Amanda Seyfried’s Epiphanies”Reddit: Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun in Central Park Reddit: Sydney Sweeney and Christy Martin in Sports IllustratedTom and Lorenzo: Sydney Sweeney’s hair on Jimmy FallonThe New York Times: Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom on the “Enduring Invisible Power of Blondeness” (Archive link)The Wrap: Kayleigh reviews All’s FairThe List: Bradley Cooper’s Face and Resulting RumorsThe Wall Street Journal: Club Chalamet/Simone Cromer profileWikipedia: The Leveson Inquiry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/23/26 | ![]() 702. Heated Rivalry with Candy Tan | Candy recapped Heated Rivalry, and is that enough? No, of course not. We had MANY things we wanted to exclaim at each other about, so why not podcast about it?We’re going to talk about the show, the acting, the adaptation, and the fact that this show could never have been made in the US. Jacob Tierney is a genius, and we have many a rabbit hole of research to explore.If you’ve been thinking about this show nonstop, come hang out.You can find Candy Tan @beautifulduckweed on Bluesky and on Tumblr.And you can find the podcast with video on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/16/26 | ![]() 701. Holiday Wishes with Amanda and Sarah | It’s never too late for Holiday Wishes, right? We had such a record number of interviews for the Holiday Wishes episodes this year, and I truly love doing them. Thank you.But many of you asked about Amanda’s recs and wishes, so to wind up our holiday extravaganza, Amanda and I are talking about the books that we loved in 2025, our wishes for everyone in 2026, and of course we talk about a LOT of other things. One of Amanda’s favorites was about a songwriter and so we discussed our music tastes, which, total surprise, are entirely different. We also look back at the most popular content on SBTB in 2025, and what posts and podcasts had the most engagement.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smart Podcast Trashy Books YouTube Channel! We also mentioned:YouTube: Electric Callboy – “Elevator Operator”Webtoon: Villains are Destined to DiePodcast: The Sticky Bun BoysIG Reel: “Dating Grok”SBTB: Unhinged Bingo! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/9/26 | ![]() 700. An Art History Analysis of Romance Covers with Amanda Matta | Happy 700th Episode!! Amanda Matta is a debut author (her book is coming in 2027!), media commentator, royal analyst, and an art historian. I’ve mentioned Amanda, and her podcast Art of History, which I love. In that show, she focuses on one particular piece of art and explains the history, context, symbolism, and even the details of how it was made. I like it. So I thought, why not have Amanda Matta give the Art of History treatment to some classic romance covers?We also discuss royal watching, racism, influencing and commentating on popular culture, Henry VIII’s codpiece, art history, and more.This is our 700th episode – woooo! – and it be both video and audio. The audio will be available on your regular podcast feeds, and you’ll hear us discuss and describe the covers in question. However, on the video, you get to see both of us, and the covers!Want to watch on YouTube? Here you go!Speaking of YouTube – did you know the podcast has a YouTube channel? It’s true! Each new episode is automatically uploaded, so if you prefer your podcasts on the ‘Tube, we’ve got you covered. Also, this channel is brand spanking new (I had to recreate it after YouTube deplatformed my last one without explanation. I presume bitches are to blame) so I’d appreciate it if you’d be so kind as to subscribe! If we hit 100 new subscribers, Amanda and I will live broadcast something very fun and silly to thank everyone.Thank you for being part of the podcast community as we reach 700 episodes! This is a big milestone, and I’m so thankful you’re here.You can find Amanda Matta at her website, AmandaMatta.com, on TikTok, and on Instagram.You can find the show notes with all mentioned books and links at SBTB.com, and you can find our podcast on YouTube, or wherever you get your shows!Want more romance commentary? Come hang out at Smart Bitches Trashy Books (https://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com)We also mentioned:Steve Ammidown’s post about Robert McGinnis, who passed away in 2025Windsor Castle: A Royal YearThe Infamous Three Armed Cover The Art of History PodcastOff with Their Headlines PodcastNorthern Disclosure PodcastThe Midtown Scholar bookshopThe Vulgar History PodcastBachelor Lady Butts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/2/26 | ![]() 699. Holiday Wishes VII with Katie, Kate and Adam | Happy New Year!This week we are talking with Katie, Kate, and Adam – we’ve got book recs, wishes, spreadsheet discussions, dungeons, and some wishes that don’t violate the Hatch Act.There’s also rather appalling poo adventure immediately after my first interview. Pew pew!Check out the complete show notes at SBTB.com!Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads are now turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!You can gift a Patreon membership if you’re so inclined! A lovely gift for someone you know who loves the show.AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is available now for a limited time – until January 5, and boy, howdy, does Wax Cabin Candle Company ship fast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/26/25 | ![]() 698. Holiday Wishes VI with Jenna Grinstead, Stephanie Violet, Lisa, and Bull | This week we are talking with Jenna Grinstead, Stephanie Violet, Lisa, and Bull! Yup, we’re visiting Norway this week. Bring a hat.As always we have book recs, including one from the 1500s, wishes, and terrible jokes.Please note: during my conversation with Lisa, we discuss true crime and historical murders.We also mentioned:The Bridge (tv show) Simple Happy Zen PodcastPlaying for Keeps PodcastSamantha.GarcixAnd…sunrise pictures!Important Notes I Want to Keep Shouting About!Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads are now turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!You can gift a Patreon membership if you’re so inclined! A lovely gift for someone you know who loves the show.AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is available now for a limited time, and boy, howdy, does Wax Cabin Candle Company ship fast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/19/25 | ![]() 697. Holiday Wishes V with Shana, Sue, and Rhonda | This week we are talking with Shana, Sue, and Rhonda about book recs and wishes, plus fantasy and magical bureaucracy, grief in romance, schtupping by volume, and inventions for readers to find even MORE books.We also mentioned:The Library Extension – This is an extension for Chrome browsers that will load a list of your preferred libraries with availability for a specific book you’re looking at online. You can add as many libraries as you wish, along with Hoopla, and it’ll search the catalogs for you.Our Knitting Gift Guide with some incredible patterns.Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads are now turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!You can gift a Patreon membership if you’re so inclined! A lovely gift for someone you know who loves the show.AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is available now for a limited time, and boy, howdy, does Wax Cabin Candle Company ship fast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/12/25 | ![]() 696. Holiday Wishes IV with Rae A, Josephine, and Sneezy | We’re back with more Holiday Wishes! This week we’re talking with Rae A., Josephine, and Sneezy!This week we are talking romance bookstores and road trips, luxurious bidets, webtoons, and, of course, books. And some ranting about women artists in history. We are traveling as far as Taiwan in this episode – and this should be the last of my laryngitis – hooray for all of us!We also discussed:Webtoon: Only HopePodcast: Worlds Beyond NumbersThe Duchamp FountainFanfic: “Backhoe” by Zenoida McRoraBrightside Books and WineUpdates!Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads will be turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!You can gift a Patreon membership if you're so inclined! A lovely gift for someone you know who loves the show.AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is LIVE! For a limited time only, you can get a Smart Bitches 20th Anniversary candle, and a Bad Decisions Book Club candle. You can shop small, support the site, and spread light and warmth this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/5/25 | ![]() 695. Holiday Wishes III with Garlic Knitter, Claudia, Christine, and Jo | We’re back with more Holiday Wishes! This week we’re talking with Garlic Knitter, Claudia, Christine, and Jo.A few notes:First, my voice is not great. Some of these were recorded when I had a dreadful cold, so I apologize in advance.Second, if you’re a sympathetic crier like I am, please know that when Christine and I are talking, we both get a little choked up while talking about grief and the infuriating unfairness of American healthcare. It’s an emotional conversation and a beautiful one – thank you for sharing so much of yourself, Christine.Updates? Updates!Thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads will be turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much! You can gift a Patreon membership if you'd like! It's easy and very flexible.AND! The Smart Bitches Candle Collection is LIVE! I partnered with Wax Cabin Candle Company, an independent small chandlery, to offer two limited edition candles just for the holiday season!They are on sale now through early January, and you can buy one or both in a gift set! And they are going very fast! The Smart Bitches 20th Anniversary candle is an 11 ounce hand poured soy candle with notes of sea salt, book pages, sandalwood and jasmine.The Bad Decisions Book Club candle, also 11 ounces, is designed to be the perfect pairing for late night reading, with scents of sweet tobacco, book pages, leather, rose, and sandalwood. I had a marvelous time picking out the scents.So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for yourself or the book lovers in your life, check out the 2025 Smart Bitches Candle collection. You can shop small, support the site, and spread light and warmth this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/28/25 | ![]() 694. Holiday Wishes II with Agnés, Emily, Sarah Jane and Jenn | Ready for more wishes and recs? And bad jokes? I bet you are! This week we’re talking with Agnes, Emily, Sarah Jane, and Jenn – and Min the cat.And in the outro, you’ll hear from ShoesforAll, aka Sarah.And! Important announcement 1: thanks to your Patreon pledges, we have reached our goal with the F’ICE campaign, and all dynamic ads will be turned off permanently for everyone who listens. Thank you so much!Important announcement 2: the Smart Bitches Candle Collection is LIVE! I partnered with Wax Cabin Candle Company, an independent small chandlery, to offer two limited edition candles just for the holiday season!They are on sale now, Friday November 28, through early January, and you can buy one or both in a gift set!The Smart Bitches 20th Anniversary candle is an 11 ounce hand poured soy candle with notes of sea salt, book pages, sandalwood and jasmine.The Bad Decisions Book Club candle, also 11 ounces, is designed to be the perfect pairing for late night reading, with scents of sweet tobacco, book pages, leather, rose, and sandalwood. I had a marvelous time picking out the scents.So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for yourself or the book lovers in your life, check out the 2025 Smart Bitches Candle collection. You can shop small, support the site, and spread light and warmth this year.We also mentioned:The episode where we discussed frozen shoulder and other fun menopause things is Episode 658. Romance and Penetrative Sex: A Conversation With Jane BuehlerThe episode where Earth is Garbage and Space is Horny is Episode 392.You can download Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinburg from the author’s website.Emily mentioned some birds, and if you’d like to know what they look like, here are pics!The pileated woodpeckerThe red bellied woodpeckerThe great crested fly catcher Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/21/25 | ![]() 693. Holiday Wishes I with Susie, Elizabeth, Alanna | It’s time for our annual Holiday Wishes episodes!Every year I connect with listeners around the world, where we talk about books, wishes, and bad jokes. So this time of year, my guests are…all of you!In this set of wishes, we’ve got classics, new mysteries, and series romances. And we’ve got Sapphic yearning!I have a record number of people signed up to do holiday wishes conversations with me, and these episodes are so uplifting and delightful, I’m extremely excited.And! There is still time to sign up! If you’re part of the Podcast Patreon or After Dark, you can still pick a time to connect with me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
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