The Hot Mess Podcast

Epizode

• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Being A Renaissance Woman FT. Janaya Hernandez 19.10.2026 1h 1min

  Hello Besties!Welcome back to another episode of the HOT MESS PODCAST!!!This week J.L. is in conversation with author, entrepreneur, and creator of BookTopia, Janaya Hernandez. a book festival having its first ever event October 25th in Fairfield, CT.The ladies sit down and have a candid conversation about what it is to really commit to writing, being a woman of color in these spaces, and what owning a mobile bookstore entails.Sit down, relax, and enjoy the conversation!For updates on Janaya, her books and events, can follow her on IG @readingwithjanaya To find out where you can visit the lit Stop Booktique next, Please follow @the_lit_stopBoooktopia is happening October 25th from 3p-6p at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, CT. There will be 60+ authors and vendors, bookish tattoos, story time, and so much more!!. For updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on TikTok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!LOVE ME AGAIN is available on bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnesandnoble.comTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming October 20, 2026!!! Preorder today!!!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Author Events 05.10.2026 1h

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! J.L. Is finally back!!! Your girl has been busy.In this episode, J.L. recaps and reflects on the events she has been a part of during her hiatus from the podcast. She discusses the highs, the lows, the blood, sweat, and tears that it’s taken to set this indie romance author machine in motion. She gets candid on one event that didn’t go so well.OCTOBER 20, 2026 THE LAWYER & THE HITMAN will be available everywhere! PREORDERS ARE LIVE NOW!!!Upcoming events:October 20- the Lawyer & the Hitman release October 22- Dees Blind DatesWallingford, CTOctober 25-BOOKTOPIA Fairfield, CTOctober 31- B&N West Farms MallFarmington, CTNov 8- B&N Canton Canton, CTDec 5- Mini CT BookishCon Holiday book fair Torrington, CT For updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on TikTok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…AI written books 24.05.2026 24min

  JUNE 20th J.L. IS HAVING A BOOK SIGNING @ 1pm @ B&N CANTON 110 ALBANY TURNPIKE CANTON, CT 06019She will have copies of LOVE ME AGAIN available for purchase. Please come and bring your friends, it’s going to be a time. She can’t wait to see you there!!!Hello Besties! It’s been a while but we are finally back with an all new episode! In this episode, J.L. Discusses her first every B&N book signing and how that opened the door for her next signing! We’re manifesting! Later in the episode, J.L. Discusses the possibility of B&N selling AI generated books. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!LOVE ME AGAIN, is a second chance romance between a husband and a wife. Jovi finds some questionable text messages on her husbands, Scott, phone. Since their marriage was already struggling, this was the straw that broke the camels back.But Scott isn’t ready to give up. In his desperation he refuses Jovi’s demand for a divorce and he demands they attempt marriage counseling. Through a series of flashbacks, We are taken through their up’s and down, giving us an inside view of a twenty year relationship. Through family gatherings, their attempts to reconnect with each other and rediscovering themselves, we are taken on their journey of loving each other again. Love Me again is available on bookshop.org, amazon, and barnesandnoble.com.
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Being A BookToker 13.04.2026 1h 24min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! April 25, 2026 J.L. will have her first Barnes & Noble book signing at the Cheshire, CT location from 12pm-2pm. She will have LOVE ME AGAIN, available for purchase. Please come support! Let’s have a time! Thank you & we can’t wait to see you there! B&N Cheshire1991 Highland AveCheshire, CT 06410In this episode, J.L. is joined by Kat from @_kathyeria📚🇵🇷_ on TikTok! The ladies discuss Kats path into Booktok, the importance of highlighting BIPOC & Latinee authors, rapid fire questions, advice for aspiring book creators, and so much more!!For more info on Kat, her book hauls, and author lives, please follow her on:IG @_Kathyria_TikTok @_Kathyria📚🇵🇷_For updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on TikTok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!LOVE ME AGAIN is available on bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnesandnoble.comTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Staying True To Yourself 06.04.2026 29min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! April 25, 2026 J.L. will have her first Barnes & Noble book signing at the Cheshire, CT location from 12pm-2pm. She will have LOVE ME AGAIN, available for purchase. Please come support! Let’s have a time! Thank you & we can’t wait to see you there! B&N Cheshire1991 Highland AveCheshire, CT 06410In this episode, J.L. Fills us in on her busy weekend. From updates on her writing, to watching the Mario new movie, to how a comedy show inspired her! For updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!LOVE ME AGAIN is available on bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnesandnoble.comTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Living In The Manosphere 24.03.2026 48min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! April 25, 2026 J.L. will have her first Barnes & Noble book signing at the Cheshire, CT location from 12pm-2pm. She will have LOVE ME AGAIN, available for purchase. Please come support! Let’s have a time! Thank you & we can’t wait to see you there! B&N Cheshire1991 Highland AveCheshire, CT 06410In this episode, J.L. shares 2 of her near death experiences that happened this week. Also, she has a guest! Jason “J.P.” Polanco (J.L.’s hubby) is back and discussing Netflix’s new documentary, INSIDE THE MANOSPHERE.For updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!THE LAWYER & THE THIEF, and THE LAWYER & THE STALKER are both available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.THE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Mourning Adult Friendships 14.03.2026 40min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. is giving an update about her spiritual journey. She gives her views on the alarming trend of pastors making people feel guilty for the amounts they are donating instead of giving 10% to church when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.What are your thoughts?The main topic: mourning and healing from the death of an adult friendship.J.L. gets personal and shares steps to healing from the demise of a friendship.If you need additional support please visit https://share.google/fXfA8MnR9gQ5YEKiRFor updates on the podcast, new book, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoOr visit the website jlpolanco.comEnjoy this episode and have a great week!THE LAWYER & THE THIEF, and THE LAWYER & THE STALKER are both available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.THE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Being A Hot Mess PT2 11.03.2026 32min

  Hello Besties!!!Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST.In this episode, J.L. says no to an outline and bounces from thought to thought. She reflects on the seasons changing, her fitness journey, Bridgerton and the annoying 2 year wait for the next season. Damn you Shonda Rhimes!!! APRIL 25th 2026 J.L. WILL BE BARNES AND NOBLE IN CHESHIRE, CT FROM 12p-2p SIGNING BOOKS!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!! IF YOU ARE ABLE TO, PLEASE STOP BY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!! THANK YOU!!!Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Filming in PR, and ANTM 28.02.2026 51min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. Is joined by her husband, Jay! They are picking up where they left off in the last episode and go on to discuss Bad Bunny’s first leading film role in the historical drama, Porto Rico and the corrupt Governor of PR who refused to let the movie be shot on the island.J.L. And Jay also discuss the hot mess express that is Tyra Banks and the ANTM doc on Netflix.Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To purchase LOVE ME AGAIN, please visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-me-again-j-l-polanco/f43bdf13ee3adda9?ean=9798985771701&next=tTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…A Family Vacation 25.02.2026 1h 2min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. Is joined by the man, the myth, the legend…her husband, Jay. They are hunkered down after the recent blizzard and recap Benito Bowl (yes, it’s a month later and we’re still talking about it), and the cultural significance and personal connections they felt.They discuss their desires to learn about their culture and J.L. is starting Spanish lessons.J.L. And Jay go on to discuss their family trip to Puerto Rico. Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To purchase LOVE ME AGAIN, please visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-me-again-j-l-polanco/f43bdf13ee3adda9?ean=9798985771701&next=tTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…The Super Bowl and 90’s Rom-Com 14.02.2026 33min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. reviews and gives her insights on the Super Bowl Half Time Show AKA Benito Bowl. She discusses the cultural significance and the controversy surrounding it.Later in the show, J.L. discussed the hot mess that is YOU GOT MAIL. In this 90’s rom com, J.L. points out the toxicity that she never notices as a teenage viewer. We are in Love season. And I have the perfect book for Valentine Love season that I wrote. LOVE ME AGAIN, is a second chance romance between a husband and a wife. Jovi finds some questionable text messages on her husbands phone. Since their marriage was already struggling, this was the straw that broke the camels back.But Scott isn’t ready to give up. In his desperation he refuses Jovi’s demand for a divorce and he demands they attempt marriage counseling. Through a series of flashbacks, We are taken through their up’s and down, giving us an inside view of a twenty year relationship. Through family gatherings, their attempts to reconnect with each other and rediscovering themselves, we are taken on their journey of loving each other again. Love Me again is available on bookshop.org, amazon, and barnesandnoble.com.Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To purchase LOVE ME AGAIN, please visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-me-again-j-l-polanco/f43bdf13ee3adda9?ean=9798985771701&next=tTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Watching Movies Because The World Is A Mess 05.02.2026 29min

  Hello Besties!Welcome to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST!!!In this episode J.L. starts with politics. With the sad and senseless death of Alex Pretti, to Nicki Minaj doing everything she can to stay in this country, to the political protest during the Grammys.Main topic: movies!!! The world is heavy and J.L. has been trying to manage her anxiety and sanity by watching movies and shows.J.L. Gives her opinions about UNHINGED, WICKED 2, BRIDGERTON (Shonda Rhimes needs a talking to), and PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION. Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To purchase LOVE ME AGAIN, please visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-me-again-j-l-polanco/f43bdf13ee3adda9?ean=9798985771701&next=tTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Reading in America 22.01.2026 37min

  Hello Besties!Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. gives us an update on her sugar fasting and celibacy. Just a heads up…it’s not going well.J.L. also vents about the continuous snowstorms and cold weather that has taken over CT. Main Topic: literacy in America and how we can get our kids (and adults!) on the reading vibe. Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To purchase LOVE ME AGAIN, please visit https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-me-again-j-l-polanco/f43bdf13ee3adda9?ean=9798985771701&next=tTHE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Being In Alignment 15.01.2026 42min

  Hello besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST. In this episode, J.L. starts off with giving her political two cents and her hope for the future.She updates us on her 21 days of fasting, and her spiritual journey.J.L. Discuses her coming into alignment and talks about what that means and how you can also reach alignment.Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To Purchase THE LAWYER AND THE THIEF: https://a.co/d/i6HzDwTTo purchase THE LAWYER AND THE STALKER: https://a.co/d/3MhegoG THE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…New Year’s Goals 05.01.2026 32min

  Happy New Year, Besties!!!Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. fills us in on her New Year Celebrations. She threw the best party in all the land…or at least in the eyes of her kid it was.She also brings us into another B&N haul.J.L. also discusses her journey into spiritual enlightenment, which is one of her New Year goals. The main topic is: setting your new year’s goals and actually sticking to it! Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To Purchase THE LAWYER AND THE THIEF: https://a.co/d/i6HzDwTTo purchase THE LAWYER AND THE STALKER: https://a.co/d/3MhegoG THE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Whore Baths, the Holidays, and New Years Resolutions 29.12.2025 38min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. explains her two week absence. She discusses her town not having water, how Christmas went in the Polanco household, Barnes and Noble closing down, and New Year’s resolutions. Visit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!To Purchase THE LAWYER AND THE THIEF: https://a.co/d/i6HzDwTTo purchase THE LAWYER AND THE STALKER: https://a.co/d/3MhegoG THE LAWYER AND THE HITMAN coming in 2026
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…50 Cents Pettiness 10.12.2025 34min

  Hello Besties!Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. Discusses her hair transformation, talking to the moon, and her traumatic experience baby sitting four 10 year old boys! Main Topic: 50 cents pettiness and how it resulted in Netflix’s SEAN COMBS: THE RECKONING.HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR RETAIL JOB DURING THE HOLIDAYS is available now in ebook and paperback.Amazon link: https://a.co/d/fEpvDi1B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-jl-polanco/1143394917?ean=9798985771732Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/How-to-Survive-Your-Retail-Job-During-the-Holidays-Paperback-9798985771725/3033419768Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-j-l-polanco/4c08b861e15c219a?ean=9798985771725&next=tVisit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Thanksgiving 03.12.2025 31min

  Hello Besties! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST!!! In this episode, J.L. fills us in on her holiday with the family and how she is happy for the calm after.She also took the leap and colored and cut her hair! But she might be regretting it.J.L. talks about her life as a mom to a 10 year old boy and the attitude she is now dealing with. Main Topics:- Targets failed swag bags-Trumps small dick energy-Ray J losing his mind HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR RETAIL JOB DURING THE HOLIDAYS is available now in ebook and paperback.Amazon link: https://a.co/d/fEpvDi1B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-jl-polanco/1143394917?ean=9798985771732Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/How-to-Survive-Your-Retail-Job-During-the-Holidays-Paperback-9798985771725/3033419768Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-j-l-polanco/4c08b861e15c219a?ean=9798985771725&next=tVisit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…The Four Agreements 24.11.2025 41min

  Hello Besties!Welcome to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST!!!J.L. Starts the episode being emotionally honest before diving into her love for the Holidays! ‘Tis the season!!!J.L. gives you an inside look into what it’s like working retail during the holidays: the up’s, the down’s, the exhaustion, and chaos. Main topic: J.L. discusses her insights on THE FOUR AGREEMENTS by Don Miguel Ruiz.J.L. is on a path of enlightenment and self-discovery and gives her own interpretations.HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR RETAIL JOB DURING THE HOLIDAYS is available now in ebook and paperback.Amazon link: https://a.co/d/fEpvDi1B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-jl-polanco/1143394917?ean=9798985771732Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/How-to-Survive-Your-Retail-Job-During-the-Holidays-Paperback-9798985771725/3033419768Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-survive-your-retail-job-during-the-holidays-j-l-polanco/4c08b861e15c219a?ean=9798985771725&next=tVisit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!
• 
  The Hot Mess Of…Being A Hot Mess 19.11.2025 40min

  Hello! Welcome back to another episode of THE HOT MESS PODCAST! In this episode, J.L. is back and giving a recap of the last two weeks that she’s been away. From celebrating Halloween, to getting sick, going on a work trip, working on her book, and falling down the stairs…your girl was really going through it.J.L. also touches on a couple of topics: ​Netflix stepping up their game​Gov’t shut down​Mayor Mamdani​Trump and Bills sexual tensionVisit jlpolanco.com for updates on the podcast, new book releases, and appearances. Follow on Instagram @j.l.polanco Follow on Tik Tok @jlpolancoEnjoy this episode and have a great week!HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR RETAIL JOB DURING THE HOLIDAYS is available in paperback and ebook. It’s the holiday rom-com that you’ve been needing! There are a ton of rules to surviving your job during the holidays-- the customer is always right, be a team player, and make it through the holidays in one piece. Virginia Perez is stuck in her crappy retail job when her coworkers invite her out for a night of fun, and against her better judgement, she agrees in hopes that it would take her mind off the hell that is retail.Max Thomas wasn't looking for love when he took a beautiful stranger to bed that night, just a distraction from the impending responsibilities of having to take over the family business.But everything goes wrong when he sees her again.Black Friday is the worst day of the year and Virginia's day only gets worse when she recognizes her one night stand as the new CEO of H. Moda and her boss!Can Virginia pretend to be professional when he keeps looking at her like he's seen her naked? Will this be the year her job finally kills her?Or will she be able to survive her job during the holidays?