We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
WeReadSmut
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We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, empowers romance readers to embrace their love for smut and dive deep into the diverse world of this captivating genre. Tired of feeling judged for your love of steamy reads? Join us as we create a safe space to unpack the complexities and joys of smut, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the power of inclusive storytelling.
We'll explore everything from trope deep dives and author interviews to thought-provoking discussions on topics like body positivity, LGBTQ+ representation, and reclaiming the word "fat." We'll also tackle reading challenges, offer "shelf help" for your TBR pile, and venture into the realms of fantasy romance, offbeat erotica, and the vibrant world of BookTube.
Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @WeReadSmut and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your thoughts.
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Top 10 We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Healing from Purity Culture with Lauren Elise Rogers
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
04/23/25 • 50 min
Are You Healing from Purity Culture? Purity culture can leave deep emotional scars that impact our understanding of sexuality, relationships, and self-worth. In this powerful episode, sexuality educator Lauren Elise Rogers joins us to explore how individuals can reclaim their sexual identity and find healing through the transformative power of erotic imagination.
Lauren Elise Rogers is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator, Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach, and the founder of Sex Ed For You, where she provides clear, compassionate, and comprehensive guidance on intimacy, relationships, and sexual health.
Her holistic and embodied approach to education and coaching is deeply rooted in her own pain-to-purpose journey. She is known for creating shame-free spaces, where she invites individuals and couples to navigate complex topics like: Long-Term Partnerships, Purity Culture Obstacles, Consensual Non-Monogamy, Life Transitions, Mismatched Libido, & LGBTQIA+ issues. Despite growing up in "Purity Culture," where dating and physical intimacy were forbidden, Lauren now proudly centers agency and autonomy in her redemptive love story with her partner.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Sexual fantasies are a normal and healthy way to explore your desires safely, with women typically placing themselves at the center of their erotic imagination.
- Purity culture creates harmful beliefs that tie personal worth to sexual purity, limiting individual sexual expression and self-understanding.
- Erotic literature can be a powerful tool for sexual healing, allowing individuals to explore fantasies and understand their core erotic themes without judgment.
- Communication with partners about sexual fantasies and desires can strengthen relationships and create deeper intimacy.
- Parents play a crucial role in sex education, and addressing personal sexual shame is essential to providing healthy guidance for children.
- Solo sexual exploration is a valuable journey of self-discovery that can help individuals understand their desires and build sexual confidence.
- The four core erotic themes (longing, prohibition, power dynamics, and overcoming ambivalence) can help people understand their unique sexual preferences.
Your sexual journey is uniquely yours. Start reclaiming your narrative today by exploring literature that speaks to your experiences, and remember: healing is a personal, powerful process of self-discovery and liberation.
CONNECT WITH LAUREN ELISE ROGERS:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Lauren on the Pleasure in the Pause Podcast
The Erotic Mind By Jack Morin (Amazon)
Ep 9 - Asexuality, Aromanticism, and the Spectrum of Identity with Margherita Scialla
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Discovering Latinx Authors and Stories with Carla Is Reading
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
01/15/25 • 39 min
As readers, it's important to diversify our bookshelves and seek out stories that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. In this episode, Alesia sits down with Carla Is Reading to discuss the significance of Latinx representation in romance novels. Carla shares her personal journey of discovering diverse authors and the importance of empathy and authenticity in literature.
Carla is a plus-size Boricua who discovered her love of reading through romance novels and later delved into the world of diverse romance, particularly Latinx and Black Romance. She finds joy in platforming, reviewing, and uplifting marginalized authors and their books. Through this work, she has learned about community and experiences outside of her own.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Carla's evolution from casual reader to active book reviewer.
- The impact of discovering Latinx-centered stories.
- The value of reading across cultures to foster empathy and broaden perspectives.
- Understanding the nuances between Latinx and Hispanic heritage.
- Best practices for addressing stereotypes and misrepresentation in books.
- Carla's recommendations for must-read Latinx romance authors.
- Strategies for intentionally diversifying your reading habits throughout the year.
Diversifying our reading choices is a powerful way to celebrate the richness of Latinx culture and amplify underrepresented voices. By supporting Latinx authors, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and continuously expanding our literary horizons, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic reading community. Remember, there's a world of smutty, heartwarming, and empowering Latinx stories waiting to be discovered.
CONNECT WITH CARLA:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Alexis Daria (Amazon)
Adriana Herrera (Amazon)
Ofelia Martinez (Amazon)
Alexandria House (Amazon)
Mia Sosa (Amazon)
Natalie Caña (Amazon)
Jade Hernández (Amazon)
Aleera Anaya Ceres (Amazon)
A.H. Cunningham (Amazon)
All podcast books/authors mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
How to Break Out of a Reading Slump
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
05/07/25 • 18 min
Reading slumps can happen to even the most passionate book lovers, leaving you feeling unmotivated and disconnected from your favorite stories. In this season finale episode, podcast host Alesia dives deep into understanding reading slumps and provides practical strategies to reignite your reading passion.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize Common Causes of Reading Slumps
- Stress and burnout
- Information overload
- Life transitions
- Disappointment with previous reads
Effective Strategies to Overcome Reading Slumps
- Take a short break from reading
- Set realistic reading goals
- Change your reading environment
- Explore different genres and book formats
- Connect with other readers
Don't let a reading slump discourage you. Remember, reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with your reading journey.
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Celebrating Plus-Size Love Stories with Curvy Girls Read Romance
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
03/19/25 • 45 min
Fatphobia and fat shaming are so deeply entrenched in society that traditionally, only a narrow set of beauty standards were represented in romance. Luckily, more and more authors, seeing how unrealistic this is, are transforming the literary landscape by writing curvy, confident, and complex characters that more closely represent their readers. In this episode of the podcast, Alesia sits down with Aimee from Curvy Girls Read Romance as they take a deep dive into body representation in romance books, specifically, celebrating authors who write real, authentic love stories with plus-sized characters.
Aimee has been a romance reader for a few years now and, in the last year, has been solely focused on plus-sized protagonists. She wanted to see more realistic body types reflected, to see herself in the stories she spent so much time reading. Now Aimee has built a small community on Instagram and surrounded herself with people looking for the same thing. Sharing book recs, trope recs, and author recs and hoping to normalize body positivity.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Finding books with plus-sized representation, both on the cover and within the pages.
- Be cautious when using the word “curvy,” as it can often be misconstrued.
- Ways in which plus-size romances go beyond the weight of the character, giving more representation to multifaceted people.
- Representation has evolved significantly in the last 10 years, with authors being more conscientious of how they write these characters.
- Indie authors are the ones leading the charge in body-positive storytelling.
Whether you're a size 2 or 22, romance is about connection, passion, and seeing yourself reflected in stories that celebrate every curve, every stretch mark, and every beautiful, complex human experience. Today's conversation isn't just about books—it's about breaking down barriers and expanding what love looks like.
CONNECT WITH CURVY GIRLS READ ROMANCE:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
CC Monroe (Amazon)
Sloane Spencer (Amazon)
Sleet Kitten by S.J. Tilly (Amazon)
Kat Baxter (Amazon)
Mia Brody (Amazon)
Anna P. (Amazon)
Nicola Davidson (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Date Night Done Right (and Wrong) in Romance with Anna P
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
01/01/25 • 34 min
Ready to turn up the heat on your date nights? In this episode of We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author Anna P. to discuss the art of crafting the perfect date night in romance novels. They explore why dates are crucial for character development and building intimacy, delve into the elements that make a date truly swoon-worthy, and share some hilarious and cringeworthy date-night disaster stories.
Anna studied journalism and has a Masters in Creative Writing, and a love for music and writing got her jobs with Rolling Stone India and Sony Music, and after a couple of years of selling her soul to advertising, she’s finally following her childhood dream of writing books. She’s currently working as a freelance copy consultant and book editor, while sipping on copious amounts of black tea and white wine.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- The Importance of Dates in Romance: Discover why Anna believes dates are essential for creating believable relationships and building tension, especially in strangers-to-lovers stories.
- Elements of a Perfect Date: Learn about the key ingredients that make a date truly special, including understanding your partner's interests, keeping things casual and pressure-free, and incorporating meaningful conversations.
- Date Night Disasters: Alesia and Anna share their own dating horror stories and discuss red flags to watch out for, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and genuine interest.
- A Sneak Peek at Anna's Cricket Romance: Get excited about Anna's upcoming sports romance featuring a cricketer and learn why she chose this unique setting.
Don’t forget to check out Anna’s new novel, Stumped.
CONNECT WITH ANNA P:
THINGS MENTIONED:
Love In Wildes Series by Anna P (Amazon*)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Reclaiming the Word "Fat" with Leigh Carron
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
04/09/25 • 37 min
Why Do We Need to Reclaim the Word "Fat"? In this powerful episode of the podcast, author Leigh Carron opens up about her journey of body positivity, challenging societal norms, and writing romance novels that celebrate bodies of all sizes. Through her personal experiences and literary work, Carron demonstrates how language can be transformed from a weapon of shame to a tool of empowerment.
Leigh Carron writes diverse, body-positive romance that brings the heat and the heart—because love and sexiness come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- The evolution of body positivity in literature and media
- Challenging harmful stereotypes about body size
- Reframing the word "fat" as a neutral descriptor
- The importance of self-acceptance and challenging internalized negative thoughts
- Representation matters: Creating diverse characters in romance novels
Remember, your worth is not determined by your size – you are beautiful, powerful, and deserving of love exactly as you are.
CONNECT WITH LEIGH CARRON:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Ep 14 with Aimee - Celebrating Plus-Size Love Stories with Curvy Girls Read Romance
Fat Girl (Amazon)
My Curvy Rival (Amazon)
A Naked Beauty (Amazon)
A.H. Cunningham (Amazon)
An Imperfect Truth (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Exploring Cultural Influences in Sci-Fi and Fantasy with Elizabeth Stephens
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
02/05/25 • 42 min
Prepare to be swept away to magical realms and epic love stories as we dive into the enchanting world of diverse sci-fi and fantasy romance with the incredible author, Elizabeth Stephens. In this fun conversation, Alesia and Elizabeth explore the unique approaches, character dynamics, and powerful representation that make Elizabeth's books stand out in the genre.
Elizabeth Stephens is an author of dark SciFi and fantasy romances, and specializes in sizzling, diverse reads starring characters of color.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Elizabeth's writing journey and the inspirations behind her innovative storytelling
- The nuanced way she handles the concept of fated mates, creating believable and complex relationships
- The fascinating dystopian power hierarchies and diverse characters in her Omega Verse series
- The importance of representation and inclusivity in Elizabeth's worlds, and the challenges and rewards of traditional publishing
Elizabeth Stephens' books are a must-read for anyone seeking immersive, empowering, and genre-bending sci-fi and fantasy romance. Dive into her captivating worlds, where diverse characters navigate intricate relationships and power dynamics, all while showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. Be inspired to explore Elizabeth's expansive bibliography and connect with her online to stay up-to-date on her latest releases.
CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH STEPHENS:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Population Series (Amazon)
Beasts of Gatamora Series (Amazon)
Xiveri Mates Series (Amazon)
His to Claim by Taylor Vaughn (Amazon)
Venomous by P. Fletcher (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Tips for Dedicated Reading Time and Self-Care with Weekend Reader
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
01/01/25 • 39 min
Ready to escape the everyday stresses and dive headfirst into a world of literary adventures? This week, we're joined by Lynell, the Weekend Reader, who has mastered the art of turning weekends into rejuvenating bookish retreats. Discover how she creates dedicated time for reading, balances her TBR list, and cultivates a vibrant online community around her love for books.
Weekend Reader reads and reviews contemporary fiction, specifically romance but enjoys reading diversely. Additionally, Weekend Reader is committed to supporting indie authors and authors of color in her recommendations. When the Weekend Reader isn't reading or reviewing she's baking.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Rediscovering the Joy of Reading: Lynell shares her journey back to reading for pleasure and the importance of choosing books that spark joy.
- The Power of Balance: Learn how Lynell balances different genres and reading challenges to keep her reading experience fresh and engaging.
- Creating Intentional Retreats: Discover Lynell's process for planning and executing weekend reading retreats, including setting the ambiance, minimizing distractions, and connecting with fellow readers.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Explore how dedicated reading time can be a form of self-care and rejuvenation, and how to communicate your needs to loved ones.
- Embracing Your Reading Pace: Let go of pressure and comparison, and embrace your own unique reading rhythm.
Carving out time for intentional reading retreats can be a powerful way to recharge, reconnect with your love of reading, and show up as your best self in all areas of your life. Whether you dedicate a full weekend or just a few hours each week, prioritize creating a space for immersive reading and self-care. Embrace the joy of reading, connect with fellow book lovers, and allow yourself to be transported to new worlds through the power of storytelling.
CONNECT WITH WEEKEND READER:
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
A Beginner's Guide to Historical Romance with Unsuccessful Book Club
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
04/30/25 • 63 min
What makes historical romance more than just bodice-ripping stories? Historical romance is a genre far more complex and diverse than many readers realize. Far from being limited to Regency-era England and stereotypical duke narratives, this genre offers rich storytelling that explores complex social dynamics, personal growth, and diverse experiences across different time periods and cultures.
Clare from @UnsuccessfulBookClub is a life-long bookworm with a penchant for science fiction, fantasy, and romance. She has recently developed a deep interest in historical romance. When she isn't reading, she enjoys cooking, eating, and taking her children to soccer games, often while neglecting her laundry.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- How historical romance spans multiple eras, from medieval times to the 1970s
- Ways the genre has evolved to include diverse representation, including LGBTQ+ and characters of color
- How modern historical romances tackle important themes like consent, social justice, and personal empowerment
- How some authors like Beverly Jenkins and Alyssa Cole are transforming the genre with nuanced, inclusive storytelling
- Ways that tropes like marriage of convenience and forbidden love add depth and tension to historical narratives
Join the "Queering Historical Romance" challenge in June and discover the incredible diversity of historical romance. Follow @UnsuccessfulBookClub on Instagram for recommendations and start your journey into this dynamic genre today!
CONNECT WITH CLARE:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Bookshop.org Affiliate Shop
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta (Amazon)
Lisa Kleypas (Amazon)
Jilie Anne Long (Amazon)
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Amazon)
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall (Amazon)
Spindle Cove Series by Tessa Dare (Amazon)
Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James (Amazon)
The Brothers Sinister by Courtney Milan (Amazon)
Worth Saga by Courtney Milan (Amazon)
A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe (Amazon)
A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell (Amazon)
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera (Amazon)
Desire by Amanda Quick (Amazon)
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (Amazon)
Hold Fast by Eliza MacArthur (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
The Power of Libraries with Hosts of Medium Lady Reads
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
01/29/25 • 49 min
Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books - they're vibrant community hubs offering a wealth of resources and experiences. In this episode, we're joined by the book-loving duo from the Medium Lady Reads podcast, Jillian and Erin, to uncover the hidden gems and insider tips for maximizing your library experience.
Jillian O'Keefe is an Instagram content strategist who helps authors and the businesses that serve them gain visibility by embracing and showing their unique story to grow their community on Instagram. Jillian is also the cohost of the podcast Medium Lady Reads where she talks about books and reading as self-care.
Erin Vandeven is the creator of the Medium Lady community and host of two podcasts: Medium Lady Talks and Medium Lady Reads. She helps burnt-out mothers and millennials rediscover themselves and empowers them to find their place in the world. Erin is also the Associate Chief of Nursing Practice at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where she creates safe spaces for the nursing workforce. She has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Toronto. Erin reads over 100 books a year and is always available for book recommendations!
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Personal journeys into adult reading, including how the pandemic reignited their love for fiction and inspired them to read more diversely.
- Childhood memories of the library, from story hours and talent shows to the unique smells and librarians that left a lasting impression.
- Integrating the library into their children's lives, highlighting the wealth of programs, resources, and digital tools available to foster a love of reading.
- Leveraging digital library resources like Libby and Hoopla, as well as lesser-known offerings such as Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspot lending, community events, and more.
- Top tips for managing library holds, including the power of the "deep search" feature on Libby and the benefits of requesting books before they're officially cataloged.
Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just rediscovering the joys of reading, your local library holds a world of possibilities. Tune in to this episode to unlock the secrets of your community's literary treasure trove and find inspiration to make the library an integral part of your reading journey.
CONNECT WITH GUESTS:
Jillian Instagram
Erin Instagram
Medium Lady Reads Podcast
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
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FAQ
How many episodes does We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers have?
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers currently has 22 episodes available.
What topics does We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers cover?
The podcast is about Leisure, Hobbies, Podcasts, Books, Arts and Romance.
What is the most popular episode on We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers?
The episode title 'The Importance of Diverse Reading + A 2025 Reading Challenge' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers?
The average episode length on We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers is 38 minutes.
How often are episodes of We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers released?
Episodes of We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers?
The first episode of We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers was released on Dec 18, 2024.
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