Romancing the Pod

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Any way you slice that, that's the most interesting funeral you've ever been to."This week’s most romantic movie is... Deliver Us From Eva. This film has everything: A Mayor involved in a pending sex scandal, a $5,000 house, And a plan that would straight up get you thrown in federal prison. If you love mayoral wingmen, salty sisters, and felonies as foreplay, this episode’s for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Deliver Us From Eva? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow FB/IG, @RomancingPodSho TwitterUp Next: Poetic Justice (1993)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"Paige made us look at duck titties"This week’s most romantic movie is... Howard the Duck. This film has everything: Tiny used condoms, illegal jacuzzis you can rent by the hour, And a horrific truth about ducks that are "Tops". If you love Cajun sushi diners, Quack Fu mugging lessons, and a Stargate that’s somehow being used to test space gases, this episode’s for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Howard the Duck? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow FB/IG, @RomancingPodSho TwitterUp Next: Deliver Us from EvaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"The Mask is sexy Animaniacs."This week’s most romantic movie is... The Mask. This film has everything: a live action Pepe Le Pew, pants pockets filled with gags, And the dumbest version of the Hulk you'll ever see. If you love green zoot-suits, balloon-animal's crossing the rainbow bridge, and literal puppy heros, this episode’s for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on The Mask? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow FB/IG, @RomancingPodSho TwitterUp Next: Howard the Duck (1986)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"May I Keep It"This week's most romantic movie is... Robin Hood: Men in Tights. This film has everything: a cell block maitre d. Dummies built for battle. And Dave back when he was really funny. If you love velcro beards, soup-can helmets, and red-carpet rollup mid-brawl, this episode's for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Robin Hood: Men in Tights? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow FB/IG, @RomancingPodSho TwitterUp Next: The Mask, 1994See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"Like a church dance at a laser quest."This week's most romantic movie is... Mannequin: On the Move. This film has everything: Sunglasses Scissors, Mole's with a rat tail, and an overly flirtatious Blue Knight. If you love sitcom-length plots, where-the-butt-starts debates, and GDP measured in mannequins, this episode's for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Mannequin: On the Move? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow FB/IG, @RomancingPodSho TwitterUp Next: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"She put her hands in God's mouth."This week's most romantic movie is... When Harry Met Sally. This film has everything: Wagon wheel coffee tables, a surprise Christmas grovel, and a first kiss that was as weak as a LaCroix. If you love pastrami priorities, Chris Bridge's dating rules, and song-machine chaos, this episode's for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on When Harry Met Sally? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow (Facebook/Instagram), @RomancingPodSho (Twitter)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"Holy shit, is this Christmas Carol, John Wick?"This week’s most romantic movie is... Spirited. This movie has everything: Monthly Showers, Dolly getting Dickens'ed down, And the worst Tattoo ideas you ever hear come out of Tampa. If you love afterlife office politics, musical numbers that absolutely commit, and wildly confident bad ideas, this episode’s for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Spirited? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow and @RomancingPodSho.Up Next: When Harry Met Sally (1989)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

"I hope she's got a lot of lotion or another sex cardigan."This week's most romantic movie is... Wicked: For Good. This film has everything: Technicolor Arrakis, the third worst pizza Paige has ever laid eyes on, and lifting a possible lover 20 feet off the ground... because of the implication. If you love whip-stealing women, killer songs, and two people yelling "JUST KISS ALREADY" at the screen, this episode's for you!Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review Romancing the Pod to help more people discover our community.What did you think of our episode on Wicked: For Good? Tell us on social media @RomancingThePodShow on Facebook and Instagram, and @RomancingPodSho on Twitter.Up Next: Spirited 2022See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.