Claim OwnershipWe Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
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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.
49 Episodes
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Are you reading for the heart, the mind, or the coochie? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia is joined by Shelbey Monae, the powerhouse behind Shelbey and the Book Club and co-host of The League of Extraordinary Readers podcast. Shelbey shares her journey from an English major trained to strictly analyze literature to finding the radical joy and healing power of Black indie romance. Shelbey Monae is a bookish content creator, YouTuber, and community leader dedicated to diversifying reading habi...
Does the book haul culture of social media make you feel like your shelves (or your wallet) aren't enough? While curated, exclusive hardcovers are beautiful, romance is for everyone, regardless of your budget. This week on We Read Smut, Alesia breaks down a complete toolkit for keeping your TBR full and your joy high without breaking the bank. From insider digital strategies to maximizing your library card, learn how to access thousands of stories at little to no cost. Key Takeaways The Digit...
Why settle for a boring reality when you can have a Space Daddy who is actually obsessed with you? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with MFA poet and speculative fiction author Nikki Clarke to discuss her mission to center Black women in the stars. We dive into why Nikki trades contemporary drama for expansive alien worlds, the anthropological roots of her unique world-building, and why her heroes are unapologetically soft and in love. Nikki Clarke has always loved a good love stor...
Is there actually a reading comprehension problem in the bookish community, or is it an expectation problem? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia welcomes back Lynell (aka The Weekend Reader) to dive deep into her viral Substack article on literacy, the evolution of content creation, and why reading diversely is the ultimate tool for expanding your perspective. Whether you're a creator struggling with the algorithm or a reader looking to get more out of your favorite tropes, this conversation is...
In a world that often feels bleak, can a romance novel be more than just a fluffy distraction? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author and sex culture critic Ella Dawson to discuss her podcast, Rebel Ever After, and the vital role of progressive romance in modern society. From debunking consumerism in book collecting to exploring why we need diverse stories now more than ever, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of the genre. Ella Dawson is an NYC-based sex and culture ...
Are you new to the world of romance and feeling overwhelmed by the endless acronyms and specific spice ratings? Whether you’re trying to figure out if a book is sweet and subtle or scorching, or you simply don't know your HEA from your HFN, this episode of We Read Smut is for you. Host Alesia Galati breaks down the essential romance terms, explains her signature 5-level spice scale, and shares how to find the best diverse recommendations from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors. Key Takeaways: Underst...
Wow! Season Two has been incredible, and we're closing it out with a deep dive into the core question of this podcast: What is smut, exactly? I’m breaking down my personal spice rating scale, defining the difference between romance and erotica (hint: it's all about the plot!). Plus, I’m looking back at my most memorable 2025 reads, sharing my Top 5 Audiobooks, Spiciest Reads, and Overall Favorites, and revealing my terrifying 2026 reading adjustments—including joining a book club! Episode Key...
If you've been listening to We Read Smut for any amount of time, you know I love grumpy female main characters! Today, I'm joined by author Jen Trinh to discuss why flawed, nuanced characters make for the most compelling stories, using her popular book Coming Clean as an example. We dive into the importance of authentic storytelling and why strong Asian American representation is vital in romance. Jen shares her journey from burnout to publishing before turning 30, and why her experience with...
Do you love romance but feel intimidated by long fantasy series? Are you looking for diverse queer representation beyond the typical male/male romances? This episode of We Read Smut is your cozy guide! I'm joined by Ally of Ally's Shelf, the creator of the viral "100 Days of Queer Fantasy" series, to discuss how to dive into fantasy without the huge commitment. We cover amazing standalone and interconnected series recommendations, the definition of cozy fantasy, and how Ally uses her reading ...
Are you looking for an inspiring midlife romance that celebrates self-discovery and second chances? This episode is for romance readers and birders alike! On We Read Smut, we're talking with author Sarah T. Dubb about her debut, Birding with Benefits, and her upcoming small-town romance, Honey Bee Mine. We dive deep into the journey of women in their forties finally turning their love and care onto themselves, the power of fierce female friendships, and the unexpected moment Sarah's book was ...
Are you a fan of Black romance across multiple genres, from cozy contemporary to spicy dark romance? This week on We Read Smut, I'm joined by author Tay Mo'Nae to discuss her unique journey writing across urban romance, dark romance, and contemporary romance. We dive into what gives her books that signature "Tay Mo'Nae feel," why she writes unlikable, hyper-independent female characters, and what makes her book Hear My Heart (featuring a deaf heroine) so special. Tay Mo’Nae is a 30-year-old u...
Are you a mood reader who feels stressed out by a traditional TBR? Are you ready to ditch the clunky layout of Goodreads for a superior, user-friendly reading tracker? On this solo episode of We Read Smut, I'm going to tell you why I am obsessed with StoryGraph. I'll explain how this app completely changed the way I track my reads, discover new books, and enjoy my hobby—especially as a data and graph lover. In this episode, we're discussing: The Mood Reader’s Savior: StoryGraph allows you to ...
Are you searching for monster romance that features curvy heroines and truly inclusive fantasy worlds? If you love a good Orc romance but are tired of the same old characters, this episode is for you! On We Read Smut, I'm talking with Indie Author Saam King about her wildly fun and diverse Kingverse series. Saam and I discuss why it’s crucial to have diversity in monster romance, how she creates her unique universe, and the sheer joy of reading about big, beautiful Orcs falling hard and fast ...
Do you ever feel like you are drowning in your to-do list and then feel really guilty for picking up a book? You are not alone! Today on We Read Smut, I'm joined by my dear friend Lisa Zawrotny to talk all about how we can take a shame-free approach to reading. We discuss why it's important that we spend time enjoying our hobbies, finding micro-moments when life feels really overwhelming, and how reading can actually be beneficial for your productivity and mental health. Lisa Zawrotny is a co...
Are you tired of these high stakes dramas and emotional angst in your books? I know I was! Today on We Read Smut, we're getting really cozy with author Leonor Soliz, who is going to be sharing all about her low-angst romances featuring healed heroes and rich found families. As a therapist by day, Leonor integrates well-developed characters into her stories, discussing why consent and setting boundaries is so important, and how creating these beautiful fantasies has made such an impact on her ...
Are you ready to take your monster romance and sci-fi romance reading to another level? This week on We Read Smut, we're joined by Ash Raven to talk about their unique author journey, their books, and why writing an eclectic variety of representation is so important to them. Ash and I dive into our shared hot takes on certain romance tropes and why we need more child-free and diverse characters in the genre. Ash Raven is an indie author who specialises in spicy monster and alien romances that...
Ever wondered about the person behind the mic? Today, I'm turning the tables and putting myself in the hot seat for a fun, rapid-fire Q&A. On We Read Smut, I'm answering all your burning bookish questions about my personal preferences, reading habits, and sharing a few hot takes along the way. Get ready to find out my favorite tropes, why I'm a "villains only" girl, and which romance books I think everyone should read. In this episode, we're discussing: Reading Habits: I’m a multi-book re...
From gritty contemporary to fantastical shifters, today's guest is a USA Today Bestselling author with a dual identity. On We Read Smut, we're exploring the incredible worlds that Jade Hernández, who also writes as Aleera Anaya Ceres, creates under both of those names. Join us as we discuss Jade's journey from a disappointing publishing experience to the freedom of indie publishing, and how she writes diverse characters that break stereotypes and reflect the world we live in. Jade Hernández i...
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of attending a book convention or author signing? Do you want to meet your favorite authors but feel anxious about how to prepare or what to do? On We Read Smut, we're tackling the anxiety of attending bookish events with our special guest, Ricki of Ricki Reads. Ricki and I share our personal strategies for everything from finding the right events to attend, to what to pack, and how to interact with authors without spiraling afterwards. Ricki is a 24...
Have you ever dreamed of a small town where every love story feels fresh, emotional, and perfectly real? Today on We Read Smut, we're joined by Ambar Cordova, who masterfully crafts these worlds in her small town multicultural romances. Join us as Ambar shares her incredible journey from avid reader to a romance author who writes relatable, messy, and realistic love stories with happy endings. Ambar Cordova is a romance author of heartfelt multicultural stories. With a focus on raw, emotion...
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