

Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast
Sarah Wendell
Each week on Smart Podcast, Trashy Books, Sarah Wendell interviews authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, publishing professionals, editors, and librarians about romance novels, which are among the most popular genres in fiction worldwide. Popular guests include: Ilona Andrews, Robin Bradford, NPR's Barrie Hardymon, Chuck Tingle, Sarah J. Maas, and Rachel Aaron. Amanda Diehl, co-pilot of the SS Smart Bitches, makes regular appearances with maximum silliness, especially during our Romantic Times Rewind episodes, where we take a look at old issues of Romantic Times Magazine (1981-2018). Frequent topics include romance novels, the way the genre is changing, and the brilliant and interesting people who read, write, and produce it, and issues common among romance readers. Plus, we always recommend some books we're reading and really enjoying. Learn more at SB-TB.com/Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2022 • 51min
541. Recommendations and Revolutions with Tara and AJ
Tara and AJ and I connected to talk about books, wins, and wishes, and took a great side trip into why the term “quiet quitting” is hot garbage, and how to achieve contentment and peace by being as mediocre as possible. If you’re feeling burnt out, you might find a lot to love in this conversation.We also discuss AJ’s new favorite genre: gay longing in spooky landscapes.…Music: purple-planet.com...Visit LifeMD.com/SARAH today to experience healthcare the way it should be! #lifemdpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 2022 • 50min
540. Holiday Wishes with Carrie, Sneezy, Sandra, Claudia, Darlene Marshall, and Katherine
More holiday fun! I hope you’re enjoying these year-end recaps as much as we are!This week, Carrie and Sneezy from the SBTB review team join me to talk holiday wishes, year-end wins, and their favorite books of 2022. We also hear from Claudia, Darlene Marshall, Sandra and Katherine with their picks, too, so hold on to your holiday TBR....Sleep better with Blissy and use SARAH to get an additional 30% off at blissy.com/SARAHMusic: Purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 2022 • 48min
539. Wishes, Wins, and Best of 2022 with Sue, JFHobbit, and Maria Vale
It’s time for the first of several end of the year episodes! This year I’ve invited the staff reviewers at SBTB and our podcast Patreon community to tell me their holiday wishes for everyone, a book that made their year better, and their big win for 2022.This week: Sue, JFHobbit, Maria Vale and Lilisonna share their picks - and of course, no one brings just one best of book!...Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 2022 • 59min
538. Jane Austen, Anthropologist, with Nikki Payne
My guest today is Nikki Payne, debut author of Pride and Protest, a contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice, set in DC between an activist DJ and a CEO developer.Nikki is also a tech anthropologist, so this conversation hits on some major current events like what’s happening at Twitter, and how Jane Austen was an anthropologist (and shade queen) as well....Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/SARAHMusic: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 2022 • 46min
537. Romance Cliché Throwdown with Amanda
Ready, set: CLICHÉ. Amanda and I are facing off in a romance cliché battle! What does that even mean? I know, my brain is a very silly place. Can you out-cliché the two of us? The Heat will be on!What's your favorite or least favorite romance cliché? Tell us all about it!…Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 2022 • 53min
536. Meet Us at Meet Cute: A New Romance Bookshop!
Becca Title is my guest this week as we celebrate the grand opening of Meet Cute, a romance bookshop in San Diego! We talk about the process of opening a bookstore, the lawyer-to-romance pipeline, and the establishment of one of the greatest murals I’ve ever seen.Then we squee at each other about books. Obviously....Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 2022 • 50min
535. All Things Magical with Freya Marske
I didn’t know this, but author Freya Marske has been so eager to be a guest on my show, and today, it’s happening! Her latest book, A Restless Truth, is out this week, and if you like queer magical historical mysteries with murder, this series is for you. We talk about magic having a physical cost, and how she highlights the classism and sexism of a magical system controlled and maintained mostly by men. We also talk about her favorite magical systems in fiction, magical spells, and we end with Many, Many recommendations. Grab a cauldron and join us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 2022 • 39min
534. Spooky Season Cover Snark
Amanda and I are back for cover mayhem! We’ve got crimes against Tom Hardy, questionable titles, and lots of visual silliness. There’s background barking of support from Zeb, inquiries as to the union terms of the shifter cover wolves, and questions about the futility of truly ever knowing who it was that let the dogs out.Thanks to David T. Cole for helping me figure out how to add images. You should be able to see the covers on your screen when we talk about them.…Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 2022 • 43min
533. Partners in Crime: The Book and the Wedding with Alisha Rai
One weekend, Alisha Rai got married. Then, two weeks later, her new book came out. So let’s talk about all the things!We cover her wedding, the parties, and how part of her wedding was at a celebrity’s mansion (but we had no idea until the end). And of course, we talk about her newest book, Partners in Crime. We discuss portraying mental health struggles and coping mechanisms, as well as sequel bait, and writing a great caper romance.Come party, reminisce, and celebrate with us!…Music: Purple-Planet.com…Coupons!Get 20% OFF @honeylove + Free Shipping with promo code SARAH at https://www.honeylove.com! #honeylovepodBetter nights rest with CBD Sleep from NextEvo. Get 25% off subscription orders of $40 or more at NextEvo.com with promo code SARAH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2022 • 44min
532. Ghosts, Pets, and Zany Questions with Amanda
This is a weird one - enjoy!Amanda and I have brought zany questions to answer, and we’re going to cover insults, ghosts, pets, and more.But we want to hear YOUR answers, too!Especially the one involving Grimace....Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


