Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast

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  736. The Romances that Inspired Dylan Allen and Lucy Wilson-Tagoe 18.09.2026 1sa 2dk

  My guest this week is Dylan Allen, and Lucy Wilson-Tagoe, who are conveniently the same person. Dylan Allen is a bestselling author of contemporary romance, while Lucy Wilson-Tagoe’s newest book To Catch a Sinner, is out now.It’s a mystery and a romance set in DC that focuses on art repatriation and the cultural minefield therein. So we’re going to talk about art, writing, the DC of her imagined world in the book, and about the romances that shaped her writing. We also talk about her choosing a new pen name and why that was so meaningful for her.You can find the links and books we mentions in the show notes at SBTB.You can find this episode on YouTube if you’d like to watch our conversation.You can find Lucy Wilson-Tagoe at her website, LucyWilsonTagoe.com, and on Instagram.You can find Dylan Allen at her website, DylanAllenBooks.com.We also mentioned:Dylan Allen’s interview with Jillian Stein of Blue Box Press (YouTube)The National Museum of African American History and Culture music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  735. RT Rewind: September 2012 Reviews 11.09.2026 1sa 25dk

  This month we’re going back to September 2012 to take a look at the new books in Romantic Times magazine.We’re talking about a very male hero, letting teens be teens, and hooray, there are dozens of terrible men to add to the pile. We also talk about our favorite Garth Brooks songs, and our go-to karaoke songs. (What’s yours?)At about 25 minute in we talk about something rather morbid – books bound in human skin, of which there are very few for obvious reasons.You can find us on YouTube if you’d like to watch this episode!And you can find all the books we mentioned at SBTB! Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  734. Finding Fire Island with Jess Rothschild 04.09.2026 1sa

  Jess Rothschild is a podcaster and journalist, one of the founding writers at Autostraddle, and her latest project is a documentary podcast called Finding Fire Island, about the history of Fire Island, Cherry Grove, and the Pines. Her prior work includes The Cult of Soul Cycle, and I love BOTH of these productions. Jess has been writing online longer than I have, and we talk about internet history, the process of making a podcast documentary, and what it’s like to have all your neighbors tell their most juicy, gossipy stories to you. For work. Finding Fire Island is a unique historical record, and I hope you’ll listen or watch. Please be advised that you can’t talk about gay history in the US without talking about the AIDS epidemic and the loss of so many people, so this episode is a little poignant at times. You can find Jess Rothschild on Instagram @JessXNYC.Links ahoy!Finding Fire IslandThe Cult of Body and SoulHulu – Black Twitter: A People’s HistoryHot Takes and Deep Dives – Jess’s podcastCaitlin Whyte – Jess’s Sound DesignerThemAutostraddleDads & Daddies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  733. RT Rewind: July 1992 Ads & Features - The 100th Issue Special! 28.08.2026 1sa 34dk

  We are back in the early 90s, when the mullets were epic and the covers were sumptuous. Come on back to July 1992 with us as we explore the ads & features of the 100th issue of Romantic Times Magazine!This issue contains some FASCINATING retrospective looks at romance, cover art, and more, and I think it is one of the primary sources cited for some of the more common stories I’ve heard about romance.Were you a Borders, B. Dalton, or Waldenbooks reader, or another bookshop entirely?Don’t forget – you can watch this episode on YouTube with the visuals on screen, or look for the visual aids at SBTB!We also mentioned:The sandals from Keen I mentioned in the outro.Lucynka’s posts on SBTB about pulp romanceMarysville Public Library: Nora Roberts Go Fish (Facebook video)Lake Villa District Library: Nora Roberts Challenge (Tiktok video) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  732. The Heated Rivalry Unauthorized Musical Parody with Dylan MarcAurele 21.08.2026 59dk

  Dylan MarcAurele is the writer and composer behind The Heated Rivalry Unauthorized Musical Parody, and I am extremely excited to share this interview with you!We’re going to talk about writing musical theatre, his writing process, and how long it took him to write this musical (you won’t believe it).He also talks about the actors and how the show came to be – it’s delightful. Musical theater and romance have a lot of similarities I hadn’t considered, and I learned so much from this conversation – I hope you love it, too.I also have some questions from author Kirsty Greenwood, who I saw the musical with, as she is also a massive musical theater fan. Thank you, Kirsty!You can find Dylan MarcAurele at his website, DylanMarcAurele.com. We also mentioned:Pop Off MichelangeloLewis Loves ClarkThe Real Housewives of New York Parody MusicalPlaybill: Heated Rivalry Parody Musical to Release Cast AlbumAnd of course, you can find tickets to The Heated Rivalry Unauthorized Parody Musical at their website....Special thanks to the sponsor for this week's episode: A Hard Habit to Break by Siera London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  731. RT Rewind: July 1992 Reviews - The 100th Issue Special! 14.08.2026 1sa 4dk

  It’s RT Rewind time again! This month, we’re going back to July 1992 to check out the new releases reviewed in…the 100th issue of Romantic Times magazine! Yup, the cover is memorable, and so are the book covers.We discuss:Cover models! Who would be the cover model for subgenre specific magazine issues?Nostalgia! Are the tag lines on the cover both references to cigarette ads?Reviews! There are some absolute classics in this issue, including Outlander.Reading slumps! There are so many people in one, including me.Do you like to listen to your favorite podcasts on YouTube? Come hang out with us there, and you’ll see the book covers, images, and faces we make at each other.We also mentioned:Hollywood Demons: “Stephen Collins, America’s Dad” (HBO) (TW/CW Discussion of CSA, CSAM)A clip of Scaachi Koul and Rob Anderson discussing Stephen Collins from the documentary (Facebook Reel)“Are You Afraid of the 90s?” Rob Anderson’s comedy special (YouTube – free)Rob Anderson’s website, Heartthrob-Anderson.comWhatcha Reading? July 2026 Part IMusic: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  730. Still the Luckiest Lady in London with Sherry Thomas 07.08.2026 54dk

  The re-release of The Luckiest Lady in London has arrived, and Sherry Thomas joins me to talk about the writing of that book more than 13 years ago, how romance and historicals have changed, and how this book is a reflection and subversion of another very, very famous historical romance.Plus, she gives us recommendations of her favorite historical romance authors and some of their books.Note: we had some connectivity issues, so sometimes the edit sounds a little abrupt. If you’re watching the video, the video does freeze while the audio continues. My apologies.You can find Sherry Thomas at her website, SherryThomas.com. She’s on Bluesky, on Instagram @writersherrythomas, and on Facebook as AuthorSherryThomas.Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  729. RT Rewind: March 2009 Ads & Features 31.07.2026 1sa 20dk

  Hey, where are you going? Get in the time machine – we want to bring you back to March 2009 to check out the ads & features from Romantic Times Magazine.We’ve got:Snippy letters to the editor!Covers that look like shaving cream ads for womenReading in a recessionFolks explaining steampunk!Pop vs. SodaAnd you’ll find out what words are used in an acrostic of “pandemic.”TW: In the middle you’ll hear from Editing Sarah – which is when I interject additional info into the episode while I’m editing it – for about a minute and a half. There is some gross fatphobia and mean terminology in that section. Skip ahead when I start reading the paragraph about 30 seconds.And you can watch this episode on YouTube to see all the images as we discuss them.  You are most welcome to subscribe to our YouTube channel if you would like!We also mentioned:“When Your Friend Goes Steampunk” by Key & Peele (YouTube)Booklender.comBookMooch.comPaperbackswap.com“‘Girls’ EP Inks Deal With HBO, Developing Comedy With Mike White” by Lesley Goldberg, December 2, 2013, Hollywood Reporter“‘Mr. Romance’ woos New Regency” by Michael Fleming, December 16, 2008, Variety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  728. The Parisian Heist with Jo Piazza 24.07.2026 58dk

  Jo Piazza is my guest this week to discuss her new book, The Parisian Heist. This book is a dual timeline story weaving together a 1990s heist at the Orsay museum with the story of Jo van Gogh, Vincent van Gogh’s sister in law, who is the reason we know who Vincent is today.Along the way we talk aboutDNFing booksStealing artMythologizing artists usually menAnd how many women do nearly everything half scared.You can find Jo Piazza – and her book tour! – at her website JoPiazza.com. Her podcast is Under the Influence.And you can hear her discussing her book Everyone is Lying to You in Episode 677. Everyone is Lying to You with Jo Piazza.We also mentioned:Anthony Amore, Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumThe Gardner Museum TheftThe Red Wheelbarrow Bookshop, ParisIn the Café: Agostina Segatori in Le Tambourin, Van Gogh MuseumA Crab on its Back, Van Gogh MuseumBookcase Books, Jo Piazza’s pop up bookstore, on Bookshop.org Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  727. RT Rewind: March 2009 Reviews 17.07.2026 1sa 37dk

  We’re back in the time machine heading to March 2009 to check out the new books reviewed in Romantic Times Magazine.We’ve got:Hot dog shrinesAlpha heroinesPT CruisersAllegories for the siege of LeningradWhore’s DustWe’ve got some new books in the magazine that are still bangers today across many genres, alongside some books that we’re going to leave in 2009, right after we talk about them in this episode. We got big yikes, folks! Big yikes!You can find this episode on YouTube at Smart Podcast Trashy Books.Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  726. Q2 Pop Culture Report with Kayleigh Donaldson 10.07.2026 1sa 19dk

  A few months ago, Kayleigh Donaldson joined me to discuss Oscar predictions and other pop culture stories, and we decided to connect quarterly to discuss popular culture.We discuss the misogyny attached to Timothy Chalamet hate, a deep dive into the public post history of Club Chalamet as indicative of larger issues in fandom behavior, Madonna’s new album, Lizzo’s new album, and the Tartan Army.The through-line of our conversation is really fandoms, specifically changing fan and audience behavior for better or for worse, what it means, why it’s happening, and maybe, how can it stop already.When two book bloggers who have been on the internet for a good while discuss pop culture, it’s a very good time.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.You can find Kayleigh on the following episodes:576. BookTok, Hockey Romance, and People as Products with Kayleigh Donaldson678. The Osmanification of Fiction Covers with Kayleigh Donaldson703. Oscars and Gossip with Kayleigh DonaldsonWe also mentioned:IG: footage of Madonna and Connor Storrie at Paris Fashion WeekWidow’s BayBitch by LizzoConfessions 2 by MadonnaMy Lady JaneDo you like to listen to your favorite podcasts on YouTube?https://www.youtube.com/@SmartPodcastTrashyBooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  725. Romantic Hero with Kirsty Greenwood 03.07.2026 52dk

  My guest this week is Kirsty Greenwood, whose new book Romantic Hero is out now everywhere, all over the world.Kirsty writes what she calls “speculative romantic comedy,” and I really loved her first book, Love of my Afterlife.We discuss SHOCKING topics like deleting the first book she tried to write, the character journeys in Romantic Hero, dealing with writer’s block, and punching people in the face.Want to watch this episode? Find us on YouTube!New! I’m posting clips from Romantic Times Rewind on TikTok! ...You can find Kirsty Greenwood at her website, KirstyGreenwood.com, and sign up for her newsletter. You can also find her on Instagram and on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks.You can also listen to us discussing Love of my Afterlife in Episode 622. The Love of My Afterlife with Kirsty Greenwood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  724. RT Rewind: May 1996 Ads & Features 26.06.2026 1sa 19dk

  The time machine is all charged up, and we’re headed back to May 1996 to take a look at the ads & features from Romantic Times magazine. It’s the late 90s, so you know that means Incredible Cover Art.We also discover just how much creepy stuff Amanda owns currently, debates about babies in romance, cheap conference hotel rooms, woman flamingos, and incredible women heroines.I don’t know if you’re a video watcher, but the video for this episode has ALL the visuals on screen. But if you’re NOT a video watcher, the visual aids were so bountiful I needed to give them their own post.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  723. Magic and Gardens with Ashley Poston 19.06.2026 1sa 16dk

  My guest today is bestselling author Ashley Poston, whose new book, The Someday Garden, is out this week.The Someday Garden was inspired by The Secret Garden, so we’re going to talk about inspiration, gardening, fandoms, changing genres and having your readers grow up with you as a writer.TW/CW – discussion of grief, and of suicide at almost exactly 1 hour into our conversation.You can find Ashley Poston on her website, AshPoston.com, on IG as @HeyAshPoston, and on Threads @HeyAshPoston.We also mentioned:Diary X (RIP)Cheerful Plants app (when to water your succulents!)AppleAndroidHeated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Parody Musical Boothbay Garden, MaineJardin de Quatre-Vents, Quebec, CanadaThe Butchart Garden, British Columbia, CanadaDo you like to listen to your favorite podcasts on YouTube? We’re there, too! Come on over! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  722. RT Rewind: May 1996 Reviews 12.06.2026 1sa 8dk

  We love the 90s, and that’s where we’re headed this month, gazing at the impossible mullets from Romantic Times magazine.We’re talking about the newest books from May 1996, including the second book in what is now a 15-book much-loved series, and some truly memorable character names.We’ll investigate, “What’s wrong with this man?” We’ll have “lashings of good fun.” Plus we learn a SHOCKING TRUTH about Amanda’s reading history.Want to watch on YouTube?We also mentioned:Movie PooperClassic Romance: Which One First? Nora Roberts EditionMy Reddit post about the centerfoldMusic: Purple-planet.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  721. Exploring Platform Decay with Martha Wells 05.06.2026 1sa 2dk

  Martha Wells is back, and we are taking a deep spoilery dive into Platform Decay.I want to be clear here: if you haven’t read Platform Decay, we are about to spoil the dickens out of it. Yes, Charles Dickens is in Platform Decay, you heard it here first. We’re going to discuss infrastructure fury, trains in Japan, Honor Princess Detective, and more – and when I say we are spoiling, we are spoiling.In other words, if you haven’t read Platform Decay, and you don’t want to know much about the story, skip this episode until after you’ve read it. This is a very book club kind of conversation.You can find Martha Wells on her website, MarthaWells.com, and she's on Bluesky, Goodreads, and Instagram.Please note: Martha Wells is NOT on Threads or Facebook. If someone contacts you on there, it is not really her! We also mentioned:Legend of Zeng HaiUnveil: Jadewind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  720. RT Rewind: December 2012 Ads & Features 29.05.2026 1sa 18dk

  We’re back in the time machine, heading to December 2012 to look at the ads and features from Romantic Times magazine. This episode features a high amount of extreme zany. We’ve got so many treats for you this week, including the Steeple Hill Drinking Game, the reverse Colonel Sanders, Jude Deveraux’s thoughts on modern romance heroes of the time, shifters and more. Watch the episode and see the ads we're talking about on YouTube, or find the visual aids at SBTB.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  719. Tropetails, Books and Drinky Chatting with Amanda 22.05.2026 1sa 5dk

  We’re sampling Tropetails cocktail mixes, discussing what we’re reading and playing, and what books we’re looking forward to in the coming months.We were not paid to promote them, but we did receive free samples and they are delicious.We also mentioned:Manta: Flower of Allure aka Flowers are Bait Game: Winter BurrowGame: Librarian – Tidy Up the Arcane LibraryElyse’s review of YesteryearMy review of Platform Decay...This episode is brought to you by Ophelia — an original audio drama, inspired by Hamlet, where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character.Forbidden magic, a crumbling kingdom, a slow-burn love triangle with a prince and his very guarded, very intriguing, best friend. The kind of love triangle where you will absolutely pick a side and you will not be quiet about it. Learn more at Hatch.co/ophelia ...Support for this episode comes from The Undergrads: Student Union by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Julie Murphy–a sexy new rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101. Ali Hazelwood calls The Undergrads: Student Union “one addictively swoony book.” Available now wherever books are sold!...You can get 10% off of Tropetails drink mixes with code SBTBTROPES!Find all the books and games we discuss at SBTB! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  718. RT Rewind: December 2012 Reviews 15.05.2026 1sa 32dk

  We’re back in the time machine, heading back to December 2012 to see what new books were reviewed in Romantic Times magazine.We’ve got “multicultural” books, beefy paragraphs, big thorns, Schroedinger’s baby, and “charming vulgar nonsense.” Plus, we ask a very important question: if you were suddenly the heroine of an Inspirational romance, how would you know?TW/CW for the erotica section at the end. It was a time, y’all.If you want to watch this episode with images of the covers and Amanda and I cracking up a lot, head over to our YouTube page.We also mentioned:SNL: Dylan McDermott or Durmot Mulroney?Goodreads: The Folly of the World review...Support for this episode comes from Labyrinthine by CJ Holmes, a dark, myth-inspired romantasy—where love is dangerous, desire is a risk, and monsters don’t always look like monsters.Princess Azhara was born cursed. Marked by ancient magic. Promised in an unholy bargain sealed in blood, she is the prize. When the Reaping begins, suitors will descend into the labyrinth beneath the palace—each one fighting to win her hand or die trying.A “beautifully woven tale of love, magic, and sacrifice,” Labyrinthine is available now in paperback, ebook, and audio, wherever books are sold. Learn more at CJHolmesWriting.com, or check the link in the show notes to find your copy today!...This episode is brought to you by Ophelia — an original audio drama, inspired by Hamlet, where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character.Forbidden magic, a crumbling kingdom, a slow-burn love triangle with a prince and his very guarded, very intriguing, best friend. The kind of love triangle where you will absolutely pick a side and you will not be quiet about it. Learn more at Hatch.co/ophelia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  717. Archangel’s Finale with Nalini Singh 08.05.2026 1sa 24dk

  Nalini Singh is back to talk about Archangel’s Eternity, which I have been calling “Archangel’s Finale.”We’ve got questions from readers and listeners, and some behind the scenes details about how Nalini organizes the massive worlds she’s built in her series.Plus she teases some major surprises for the next Psy-Changeling book, and what she’s working on right now.You can find the video of this episode on our YouTube channel if you’d like to watch us!You can find Nalini Singh at her website, NaliniSingh.com, and on Instagram and Facebook as AuthorNaliniSingh.Do not miss the chance to sign up for her newsletter!We also mentioned:Nalini’s virtual event with the Ashland Public Library on Wednesday, June 10!The next Psy-Changeling book is Cold Redemption, coming out in December 1, 2026.Nalini’s prior episodes:676. Exploring Atonement Sky with Nalini Singh489. Archangel’s Light with Nalini Singh409. Alpha Night and Alpha Women With Nalini Singh361. Playing Verbal Poker with Nalini Singh356. Our Book Club Discussion of Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh24. An Interview with Nalini Singh...Support for this episode comes from The Undergrads: Student Union by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Julie Murphy–a sexy new rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101. Ali Hazelwood calls The Undergrads: Student Union “one addictively swoony book.” Available now wherever books are sold!...This episode is brought to you by Hatch, producers of Ophelia, an original audio drama, inspired by Hamlet, where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character. Book one of the three part series is now available for free wherever you stream, with new chapters dropping every Tuesday. For books 2 and 3, check out hatch.co/Ophelia.Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a sample of Ophelia, brought to you by Hatch.co!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.