Welcome to Smart Podcast, Trashy Books! Each Friday, I talk with authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, publishing professionals, editors, and librarians, or combinations thereof, and share the fun and mayhem with you. Frequent topics include romance fiction, the brilliant and interesting people who read, write, and produce it, and issues common among romance readers, along with a hefty side order of silliness. Plus, we always recommend some books we’re reading and really enjoying.
And speaking of recommendations, are you new to the podcast? Welcome!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, fear not: here are some of our most popular episodes – so far!
Emily Nagoski has a new podcast, Come As You Are! If you’ve read her books, you know what this is about. We dive right into questions of consent and enthusiasm, the way the ace/aro community has developed conversations about sexuality within the field of sex education, and how the pandemic has affected sexuality. So much of her show and this conversation center on how to address sexual satisfaction in your own life. We also talk … Continue reading 548. Enthusiastic Sex and Podcasting (not at the same time) with Emily Nagoski→
This episode was recorded on Monday 23 January 2023. On Thursday, 26 January, the HarperCollins Union announced that HarperCollins has agreed to enter mediation. In this interview, I speak with UAW2110 President Olga Brudastova, and we go over the breakdown in negotiations that led to the HarperCollins Union strike, along with the demands of the union. Thank you to Barb, Bransler, Clay, Agnes, and Susan for the questions and to the Patreon community for the … Continue reading 547. The HarperCollins Strike with Olga Brudastova, President of UAW 2110→
Ali Hazelwood has a new anthology in print, Loathe to Love You, and she joins me to talk about becoming a full-time writer and the development of the novellas in this anthology. And then I hit her with a series of silly questions. Woo hoo! Bring on the mayhem. Music: purple-planet.com
Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy are the authors of a new, dishy, and fascinating book, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies. We’re going to talk about public apologies, celebrity mishaps, and the psychology of what creates a good apology. If you’ve been thinking of making amends, or are writing a good grovel, this is a perfect episode for you. … Music: purple-planet.com
Nobody brings just one book to the recommendation party! Our first podcast of 2023 features Amanda and me talking about her favorite books of 2022, and a new 2023 title, too! Plus, we discuss her discovery of the unique joys of cozy horror. Plus, Melonie Johnson also shares her wishes, books, and wins. Thank you for being part of our year end episodes! Happy New Year! … Music: purple-planet.com
Happy Almost New Year’s Eve! Today Martin joins me from Norway to talk about his wins and wishes for you this year, and the books that made his year better, and why. Then Cara joins us to share what author got her out of a massive reading slump. Settle in for a nice global holiday visit that will definitely lift your spirits. Music: purple-planet.com
Shana and Maya join me to talk about the books that absolutely rocked their world this year, and because Shana was reading Seressia Glass’ The Love Con, we take a nice detour into “what we would do if we were in charge of reality television shows.” From GBBO to Project Runway, we have some thoughts! Music: purple-planet.com
Tara and AJ and I connected to talk about books, wins, and wishes, and took a great side trip into why the term “quiet quitting” is hot garbage, and how to achieve contentment and peace by being as mediocre as possible. If you’re feeling burnt out, you might find a lot to love in this conversation. We also discuss AJ’s new favorite genre: gay longing in spooky landscapes. … Visit LifeMD.com/SARAH today to experience healthcare … Continue reading 541. Recommendations and Revolutions with Tara and AJ→
More holiday fun! I hope you’re enjoying these year-end recaps as much as we are! This week, Carrie and Sneezy from the SBTB review team join me to talk holiday wishes, year-end wins, and their favorite books of 2022. We also hear from Claudia, Darlene Marshall, Sandra and Katherine with their picks, too, so hold on to your holiday TBR. … Sleep better with Blissy and use SARAH to get an additional 30% off at … Continue reading 540. Holiday Wishes with Carrie, Sneezy, Sandra, Claudia, Darlene Marshall, and Katherine→
It’s time for the first of several end of the year episodes! This year I’ve invited the staff reviewers at SBTB and our podcast Patreon community to tell me their holiday wishes for everyone, a book that made their year better, and their big win for 2022. This week: Sue, JFHobbit, Maria Vale and Lilisonna share their picks – and of course, no one brings just one best of book! Music: purple-planet.com
My guest today is Nikki Payne, debut author of Pride and Protest, a contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice, set in DC between an activist DJ and a CEO developer. Nikki is also a tech anthropologist, so this conversation hits on some major current events like what’s happening at Twitter, and how Jane Austen was an anthropologist (and shade queen) as well. … Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at … Continue reading 538. Jane Austen, Anthropologist, with Nikki Payne→
