Best Jason Blitman Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 206: Behind the Scenes of Book Festivals & Author Interviews with Jason Blitman (Host of the Gays Reading Podcast) 55:27

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20d ago55:27

55:27

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his book …

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Lily King (Heart the Lover) feat. Dustin Thao, Guest Gay Reader 1:09:04

21m ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Lily King about her newest novel, Heart the Lover. Conversation highlights include: 👩🏼‍🏫 weird classes we took in college 📝 beautiful sentences 🃏 a love of card games 💌 a story about letters from an ex-boyfriend Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Dustin Thao who shares what he's been reading and talks about …

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What Are You Reading? feat. Heather Aimee O'Neill (The Irish Goodbye) 27:13

4d ago27:13

27:13

Prepare to grow your already overflowing TBR (sorry, not sorry!) with our new series What Are You Reading?. In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Heather Aimee O’Neill—debut author of The Irish Goodbye, this month’s Read with Jenna pick—to chat about the books that have been keeping her company lately. Heather Aimee O’Neill is a poet, …

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Ep. 207: Regina Black (Author of August Lane) 50:07

6d ago50:07

50:07

In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her…

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Jade Chang (What a Time to Be Alive) feat. Rose Dommu, Guest Gay Reader 1:04:01

7d ago1:04:01

1:04:01

⚠️ Quick note: In today’s episode, one of Jade’s answers unfortunately disappears into the ether. It turned out not to be as simple of a fix as we first hoped, but as soon as we’re able to repair it, we’ll update the file. Thanks for listening (and for rolling with the hiccups) Host Jason Blitman talks to author Jade Chang about her newest novel, W…

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An Important Podcast Announcement 3:37

11d ago3:37

3:37

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast. Thank you, SarahBy Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

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What Are You Reading? feat. Sarah Dickinson (Sarah's Bookshelves Live) 38:54

11d ago38:54

38:54

Get ready to add to your ever-growing TBR (we're sorry!) because Gays Reading is kicking off the new series What Are You Reading?. On this episode, host Jason Blitman talks to Sarah Dickinson, host of Sarah's Bookshelves Live, about some of the books she's been reading recently. Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly book podcast featuring real talk …

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Angela Flournoy (The Wilderness) feat. Rickey Laurentiis, Guest Gay Reader 1:10:14

15d ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Host Jason Blitman talks to 2025 Kirkus and National Book Award longlisted author Angela Flournoy about her newest book, THE WILDERNESS. Highlights include: 🪣 Angela's bucket list 🗓️ the 10 year journey of writing this book 🎃 The Candy Corn Community 🤫 secret family recipes 🍽️ "group of 7" dinner party guests Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reade…

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Eliana Ramage (To the Moon and Back) feat. M.L. Rio, Guest Gay Reader 1:17:06

22d ago1:17:06

1:17:06

Host Jason Blitman talks to Eliana Ramage about her debut novel, TO THE MOON AND BACK, this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick. Highlights include: 💭 many childhood ambitions 📚 Reading Rainbow contest trauma 🌈 the intersection of queerness and Cherokeeness 🧜🏻‍♀️ comparisons to The Little Mermaid Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ M.L. Rio, who …

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October Book Club: Alejandro Varela (Middle Spoon) 28:22

22d ago28:22

28:22

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Alejandro Varela, about his book MIDDLE SPOON, the October Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. MIDDLE SPOON unpacks what happens when you’ve got the husband, the kids, the bougie life… AND you’re going through a breakup with your boyfriend. Provocative, witty, and deeply…

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What Are You Reading? feat. Mattea Roach (Bookends CBC's Literary Podcast) 52:48

25d ago52:48

52:48

Get ready to add to your ever-growing TBR (we're sorry!) because Gays Reading is kicking off the new series What Are You Reading?. On this episode, Jason talks to the host of Bookends, the CBC's literary podcast, Mattea Roach, to learn about what they've been reading recently. About Bookends: the CBC's literary podcast When the book ends, the conve…

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Patrick Ryan (Buckeye) feat. Rabih Alameddine, Guest Gay Reader 1:12:23

28d ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Host Jason Blitman talks to Patrick Ryan about his new novel, Buckeye, which is this month’s Read with Jenna Book Club selection. They talk about writing inspirations, father-son relationships, and Ryan's love for pinball. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, Rabih Alameddine (The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)) his pers…

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Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine GIlmore (@GilmoreGuide) 51:37

1M ago51:37

51:37

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from mid-August through December. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show…

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Stacey Abrams (Coded Justice) feat. Dan Pelosi, Guest Gay Reader 1:24:00

1M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

Host Jason Blitman kicks off season 5 with political leader and author Stacey Abrams discussing her latest legal thriller, Coded Justice, the role of AI in healthcare, and what it means to be a professional troublemaker. Later, Jason is joined by Dan Pelosi, beloved for his culinary adventures on Instagram as @grossypelosi, who chats about his new …

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Ep. 204: Summer 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 52:38

1M ago52:38

52:38

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn’t work and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a …

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Ep. 203: An Indie Bookstore's First Year with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop’s journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn’t, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves —…

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BONUS: Sam Wachman (The Sunflower Boys) 31:08

2M ago31:08

31:08

THE SUNFLOWER BOYS by Sam Wachman is a terrific debut that delivers exactly the kind of deeply necessary storytelling we need right now. Sam crafts a profoundly moving narrative that tackles urgent contemporary themes with sensitivity and power—yes, it takes place at the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, but it's so much more than that. In t…

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Ep. 202: 2025 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they’ve loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category.…

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J.R. Dawson (The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World) feat. Jonathan Capehart, Guest Gay Reader 1:21:19

2M ago1:21:19

1:21:19

In the season finale of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman reconnects with author and former college classmate J.R. Dawson to discuss her new novel, The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World. Their conversation explores the book's themes of grief, memory, and navigating life's inevitable transitions—while also diving into debates about ketchup, Chicago…

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Ep. 201: Lidija Hilje (Author of Slanting Towards the Sea) + Book Recommendations 52:58

3M ago52:58

52:58

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book …

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What Are You Reading? with Brad Summerville (@bradboughtabook) 45:02

3M ago45:02

45:02

Host Jason Blitman talks to Brad Summerville, aka @bradboughtabook on Instagram in this pseudo-bonus episode. They discuss their current reads, ranging from queer sci-fi fantasy to heartwarming romances and engrossing crime fiction. Jason and Brad delve into their tastes in books, the influence of nineties romcoms on contemporary queer literature, …

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Nicci Cloke (Her Many Faces) feat. Tess Sharpe, Guest Gay Reader 1:12:22

3M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Host Jason Blitman welcomes author Nicci Cloke to discuss her latest novel and US debut, Her Many Faces. They explore the inspiration behind the book's innovative structure, Nicci's transition from UK to American publishing, and her unexpected background working as an elf. Later, Jason sits down with Guest Gay Reader, author Tess Sharpe (No Body No…

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Ep. 200: 200th Episode Celebration with Susie and Catherine 1:07:42

3M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Welcome to the 200th episode of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live with a very special celebration with both co-hosts: Susie (@NovelVisits) and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books. Today, they are answering listener-submitted questions all about their reading journeys, their podcast journeys, and some about their pre-podcast blogging days! This post contains…

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Ruben Reyes Jr. (Archive of Unknown Universes) feat. Chloe Michelle Howarth, Guest Gay Reader 1:07:51

3M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Ruben Reyes Jr. to discuss his highly anticipated debut novel, Archive of Unknown Universes, which follows his acclaimed story collection, There is a Rio Grande in Heaven. Their conversation ranges from advocating for the perfect 90-minute movie runtime to how specifics become universal, plus Ruben's late-in-life d…

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Dylin Hardcastle (A Language of Limbs) feat. Benedict Nguyễn, Guest Gay Reader 1:03:33

3M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Dylin Hardcastle about their new book A Language of Limbs. They explore what it means to be fully present, and Dylin offers insights into the fascinating history of Claude Cahun, the pioneering French artist and writer, then reflects on their experience living in an all-trans household. Dylin opens up about thei…

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Joe Westmoreland (Tramps Like Us) feat. Rob Franklin, Guest Gay Reader 1:02:25

3M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Joe Westmoreland to discuss the newly republished edition of his 2001 novel, Tramps Like Us. They explore the book’s evolution from memoir to fiction, delve into the “Pink Bubble” technique, and revisit untold stories from Joe’s hitchhiking days that didn’t make it into the final draft. They also reflect on …

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Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Susie and Catherine 1:04:31

3M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In Ep. 199, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and Sarah are all back on the mic, ready to catch up on how their reading is shaping up for 2025 — so far! They talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and their personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. Th…

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Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big) feat. Chip Pons, Guest Gay Reader 1:05:29

4M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big) to discuss her experience as a doula and how it shaped her portrayals of motherhood. They explore themes of friendship, family, shame, and the evolving landscape of abortion laws in Florida. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader, Chip Pons, who shares insights on h…

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Allison King (The Phoenix Pencil Company) feat. Jeff Hiller, Guest Gay Reader 1:12:51

4M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Allison King about her debut novel The Phoenix Pencil Company, June's Reese's Book Club selection. They explore themes of memory, the importance of preserving and sharing stories, and yes—pencils. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Jeff Hiller (HBO's Somebody Somewhere), who shares his current reads and …

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S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) feat. Richie Jackson, Guest Gay Reader 1:11:25

4M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Host Jason Blitman talks to author S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) about books that inspired Cosby early in his writing, the plot holes he found in fairy tales as a kid, his appreciation of Shakespeare's work, and his commitment to being an LGBTQIA+ ally. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, author and theatre producer Richie Jackson, who shares wh…

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Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) 53:53

4M ago53:53

53:53

Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new “Best of…” series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels…and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn’t work for her.⁠ Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the…

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V.E. Schwab (Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil) feat. Melissa Febos, Guest Gay Reader 1:16:51

4M ago1:16:51

1:16:51

Host Jason Blitman welcomes bestselling author Victoria "V.E." Schwab for a conversation about her remarkable milestone—her 25th book, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. They discuss the profound power of names, exploring how identity shapes both fantasy storytelling and LGBTQIA+ narratives, the impact of representation in literature, and the mom…

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The Edmund White Episode 47:40

4M ago47:40

47:40

Host Jason Blitman sits down with legendary author Edmund White, a towering figure in gay literature, for what would become one of White's final recorded conversations. In this deeply personal conversation, they explore White's latest memoir The Loves of My Life, delving into his reflections on love's many forms, the intimate dynamics that sustain …

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Austin Taylor (Notes on Infinity) feat. Nicola Dinan, Guest Gay Reader 1:08:51

4M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut author Austin Taylor (Notes on Infinity) to talk about themes of ambition, mortality, and the challenges of being a woman in science. They also explore big questions about life, the next big thing in science, and Austin shares an insightful critique of the film When Harry Met Sally. Jason is then joined by Gu…

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Lucas Schaefer (The Slip) feat. Mike Curato, Guest Gay Reader 1:11:09

4M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut novelist Lucas Schaefer to discuss The Slip, diving into themes of identity, self-expression, and the inspiration behind the book. They explore Lucas’s personal experiences at a boxing gym, the real-life mentor who shaped one of his characters, and what led to the end of his theater career. Later, Jason is jo…

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Jonathan Van Ness & Julie Murphy (Let Them Stare) feat. Alison Bechdel, Guest Gay Reader 1:13:02

4M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

Host Jason Blitman talks to Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy (Let Them Stare) about astrology, the names of their teenage cars, and early inspirations for their book. And Crock Pots. And British accents. And Nobu. They talk about a lot. Jason is then joined by queer icon Alison Bechdel who shares what she's been reading and talks about her new gr…

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Ep. 197: Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from June through mid-August. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show N…

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SPILL THE TEA on Conversations with Alison Wood Brooks (Talk) 1:01:48

4M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

In this episode of Spill the Tea, host Jason Blitman is joined by Alison Wood Brooks, behavioral scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Curious. They talk about her TALK maxims, what it means to be curious, tapping the adjacent possible, and Alison shares what makes a perfe…

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Ep. 196: Spring 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 49:07

5M ago49:07

49:07

In Episode 196, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when …

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Daria Lavelle (Aftertaste) feat. Kareem "Mr. Bake" Queeman, Guest Gay Reader 1:09:12

5M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Daria Lavelle (Aftertaste) to explore the sensory phenomenon of clairgustance, how words possess distinct textures that can be experienced beyond their meanings, and the fascinating etymology of the word "taste." Daria reflects on the delicate balance between happiness and grief and shares her journey discov…

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SPILL THE TEA on LGBTQ+ Travel with Alicia Valenski 39:22

5M ago39:22

39:22

In this episode of Spill the Tea, host Jason Blitman chats with Alicia Valenski, author of Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, about her journey in creating an inclusive, community-driven resource that highlights 50+ destinations ideal for queer travelers. Alicia shares insights into her interview process with LGBTQ+ insiders and how the book goes…

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Ep. 195: 2025 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits) 1:08:25

5M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

In Ep. 195, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah are back to share their favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2025 Summer Reading Guide. Plus, they begin by sharing how their summer reading habits have evolved over the years. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a…

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Jemimah Wei (The Original Daughter) feat. Prabal Gurung, Guest Gay Reader 1:09:10

5M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

Host Jason Blitman sits down with current Good Morning America Book Club author Jemimah Wei (The Original Daughter) to explore what silences born of care open up between families, the importance of chosen family, and the unexpected costs of liberation. Jemimah shares childhood memories at McDonald's and reveals the three definitive ways to eat a fr…

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The Rosie O'Donnell Episode 35:57

5M ago35:57

35:57

Host Jason Blitman sits down with often-mentioned Rosie O'Donnell to discuss her newest project, Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism. They also talk books, Broadway, bootlegs, and more in this special bonus episode of Gays Reading. You can learn more about Guide Dogs of America by visiting guidedogsofamerica.org. Unl…

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Fredrik Backman (My Friends) feat. Erika J. Simpson, Guest Gay Reader 1:18:23

5M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

Host Jason Blitman sits down with bestselling author Fredrik Backman (My Friends) to discuss his love of films, why he could win a Taylor Swift lyric competition, and the exact moment he recalls where his humor originated. Fredrik shares why he doesn't call himself an "author," how he's struggled with confidence, and much more. Jason is then joined…

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Ep. 194: Bookish Time Capsule (2017) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 52:15

5M ago52:15

52:15

In Ep. 194, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah head back to the year 2017 in the book world with this second annual special retrospective episode! They share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. They also talk about how their own 2017 reading shook out, inc…

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Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) feat. Debbie Millman, Guest Gay Reader 1:18:26

5M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Host Jason Blitman talks to Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) about the roots of her humor, why no one can sit in the backseat of her car, and her short-lived foray into greeting card writing. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Debbie Millman, who shares what she's been reading, why she had to stop listening to the audiobook of Barbr…

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SPILL THE TEA on Sexual Evolution with Nathan H. Lents 51:47

6M ago51:47

51:47

In this episode of Spill the Tea, host Jason Blitman is joined by professor Nathan H. Lents (The Sexual Evolution) to unpack the sexual history of humans to better understand how we got to today. They talk about the expansive relationship to sex and sexulaity that humans used to have, how our approach to sex and gender comes from hundreds of millio…

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Denne Michele Norris (When the Harvest Comes) feat. Zee Carlstrom, Guest Gay Reader 1:08:56

6M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Host Jason Blitman talks to Electric Literature's editor-in-chief Denne Michele Norris about her debut novel, When the Harvest Comes. They talk about the unexpected 14-year journey to write the book, love at first sight, and the importance of stories like this one, especially today. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Zee Carlstrom who shares …

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Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (Author of Broken Country) + Book Recommendations 55:23

6M ago55:23

55:23

In Episode 193, author Clare Leslie Hall talks with Sarah about her US debut, Broken Country — a breakout hit and a Reese’s Book Club pick. A genre mash-up that is part love story and part murder trial, Clare talks about marketing Broken Country, how this came to be her first U.S. release, and the ways the novel evolved over time. Plus, Clare share…