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!
As a follow up to last week’s podcast, I share the broadcast of Amanda and I making peanut butter and mayo sandwiches, inspired by folks who have shared strong opinions. Yes, we eat PB and Mayo sandwiches. Live on air. I’m sorry. But we also talk a LOT about cookies so if you’re hungry, maybe have snacks before you press play? We also cover: Good roommate code of behavior The culinary roles of the Wendy’s … Continue reading 449. PB & Mayo Sandwiches (and Girl Scout Cookies) With Amanda and Sarah→
Need a break? How about highlights from another Stereo broadcast with Amanda and me! We started by asking what keeps folks feeling happy (pizza FTW), but when we bring up mayonnaise, things go way off the rails. Way, way off the rails. We are going to cover crucial debates and fundamental food opinions such as: the egg-continuum of quiche to pie whether a food is a soup or a quesadilla is red velvet the Very … Continue reading 448. Strong Food Opinions and Sandwich Debates With Amanda and Sarah→
Sometimes I’m fortunate enough to do an interview with an author I’ve never met, but with whom there’s an instant connection. That happened for Amanda and me last year when we interviewed Sarah J. Maas in Episode 395.. And now, Sarah J. Mass is back, nearly one year later to the date, to talk about her new book, A Court of Silver Flames, and about sexytimes, the magic romance house, rage, mental health, and re-reading … Continue reading 447. Hanging Out with Sarah J. Maas→
Caroline Perny, Publicity Manager at Tor, joins us to talk about what books are coming out in 2021. We recorded in mid-November, so we start by talking about carbs, which is a perennial subject, and about genre descriptors, which are perennial as well. But the books? OH we have a LOT to tell you about. If you like sci fi, fantasy, speculative, We talk about books from 2020 that you might have missed, and what’s … Continue reading 446. Fantasy and Sci Fi in 2021 With Caroline Perny from Tor→
Every Tuesday night at 730ET, Amanda and I are live on Stereo (download and join us at stereo.com/smartbitches!) and this is one of our broadcasts! This is a live recommendation extravaganza: witches, baking, mysteries, older heroines, and great audiobook suggestions. Plus we daydream about what we’ll do when the world opens up, and I share my theory of the universal expression of human love. … Podcast After Party! Tune in Tuesdays at 730pm ET on … Continue reading 445. Hot Locksmith Action, Dumplings, and Murder: Book Recs from Amanda and Sarah→
Rose Lerner has a new Audible exclusive audiobook out this week, The Wife in the Attic. It’s a f/f retelling of Jane Eyre (I just heard a whole bunch of you one-click to buy) and fear not, the ebook will be released later this year. In this episode, Rose and I chat about the differences between Gothic and historical romances, and why (and when) Gothics surge in popularity. We also talk about the subgenre I’m … Continue reading 444. The Wife in the Attic: All Things Gothic and More with Rose Lerner→
Amanda and I are back! We’re chatting about dubious coverage of romance around Valentine’s day – and the outstanding article that Amanda was quoted in that appeared on Forbes.com, written by Rachel Kramer Bussel. Then we answer a reader recommendation letter from Kate, who is looking for snowed in romances! Plus food, video games, and a typical number of breakthroughs. … Bonus bonus woot woot! Stay tuned after this episode for a fantastic and rather … Continue reading 443. Snowed In Romance Recs with Amanda & Sarah→
Erin Galloway and I are talking about some of the books that are coming out this year from Berkley. We’ve got competency p0rn romances, bodyguards protecting brilliant women, and hilarious mysteries – plus we take a side trip into illustrated cover art and how the appearance of romance changes. We apologize in advance for the damage to your TBR! … Don’t miss our new podcast after party with Amanda and me on Stereo.com/SmartBitches! Tuesdays at … Continue reading 442. A 2021 Books Preview with Erin Galloway from Berkley→
It’s a special, extended length episode: Amanda and I are joined by Melody and Erin from the incredibly delightful podcast Heaving Bosoms! I guested on their show and they joined us to return the favor. We read Toxic Desire by Robin Lovett, and we had a LOT to talk about. Spoilers abound! But with forked tongued aliens sporting aphrodisiac venom fangs and gold body armor crash landing on a toxic sex gas planet, that’s not … Continue reading 441. Bosoms and Bitches: A NSFW Discussion of Toxic Desire→
I have been so excited to share this interview. Devon Price is the author of Laziness Does Not Exist, which outlines the three main ways in which “the Laziness Lie” deceives us into denying ourselves rest and care. As I said in my review, this is a book with something for everyone: it addresses historical roots of laziness lie in colonialism and capitalism, and looks at productivity myths, diet culture, gender and sexuality, activism fatigue, … Continue reading 440: Laziness Does Not Exist with Dr. Devon Price→
Shana, Claudia, and Carrie, gather to talk books, re-reading, knitting, comfort reading, switching genres, books set in California, figuring out what books are five star reads, and the different ways to be kickass. Happy New Year, and thanks for listening!
