
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 1, 2024 • 56min
604. Dessert Projects, Romantasy, and Whimsy with Katee Robert
Katee Robert discusses her various releases, marketing via Kickstarter and Patreon, foundational fantasy romance books, Findaway Voices changes, and former PRH CEO's trial revelations. They explore romantasy, Kickstarter strategies, indie author challenges, artistic censorship, and engaging platforms like Patreon. Delve into darker romantasy themes, setting as character, and social media presence in a fun and informative conversation.

Feb 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
603. Romantic Times Rewind: April 2006 Ads and Features!
We’re traveling back to April 2006 in this month’s RT Rewind!We discuss the evolving cover art for the Immortals After Dark series and style changes in illustrated covers. We also talk aboutWell water adventuresAuthor photo? MUST be leaningA contest made of author prom photosMany predecessors to GoodReadsA book from 1991, promoted in 2006, made into a movie in 2022.And a FULL PAGE of Mr. Romance.When I start talking about Redeeming Love, massive trigger warning and content warning, just a giant pile of YIKES. The book summary begins at 35:20.Thank you for the reviews, the support, and the positive feedback to this series! If you’re enjoying these episodes, please drop a comment below or on the visual aids post and let me know?Music: purple-planet.comDon't miss the visual aids! Really, I mean it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2024 • 43min
602. Foundations of Fantasy Romance with Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout joins me to talk about the books she considers the foundation of her fantasy romance reading, and what classical historical romances she adores. Her newest book, Visions of Flesh and Blood is out next week, so we’re looking forward, and back – and way, way back in the past. We talk about a series she’s paused, and why, and what it means to update a book that doesn’t ‘age well.’ What fantasy or historical romances were foundational reading for you? I’d love to know which are your favorites! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
601. Romantic Times Rewind: April 2006 Reviews!
We’re traveling back to April 2006 in this month’s RT Rewind! We take a look at the reviews in this issue and we’ve got some one-star reviews, and curiously paranormal is part of contemporary? It’s weird.Things I initially pronounce wrong: demesneTW/CW: mention of suicide in book reviews, plus snakes and rat infestations.Link to visual aids!...Music: purple-planet.comCoupon! LUME: New customers get $5 off Lume’s Starter Pack with our exclusive code. Use code SARAH30 at LumeDeodorant.com.Support for this episode comes from LUV! LUV is an app that connects authors and fans with producers, actors, plus film and publishing industry folks to celebrate romance in many marvelous formats, and demystify the process of adapting books for film and television. LUV is available on Apple and in Google Play, and online: checkoutluv.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
600. Life is Too Short to Have Sex You Don’t Like, with Emily Nagoski
On the 600th episode, Emily Nagoski discusses her new book on lasting sexual connections and common factors among couples. Topics include intimacy, sex, and challenges like intimate partner violence and weight loss. The conversation highlights admiration, transitioning into intimacy, and exploring emotional spaces in relationships. It also touches on savoring pleasure, body image reevaluation, and upcoming memoir audiobooks.

Jan 26, 2024 • 48min
599. Romantic Times Rewind: December 2015 Ads and Features
We’re traveling back to December 2015 in this month’s RT Rewind, and we're taking a look at the ads and features in this issue!We’ve got LONG series from Elizabeth Hoyt, Kresley Cole, and Shannon Stacey, plus SWAT team shifters, Navy SEAL Highlanders, and some memories, some not so great, of the 2016 RT convention in Vegas…at the Rio.And then! We have a supplement that only appears in the digital editions of RT at the time: the Indie/Hybrid News & Reviews Supplement. It’s a wild ride.Don't miss the visual aids for this week's episode!What's the longest series you’ve stuck with?What Duran book should Amanda read?Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 2024 • 36min
598. Historical Romances for Horse Girls with Mimi Matthews
Mimi Matthews returns to the show to talk about her latest novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is the third book in her Belles of London series. Among the major themes of this book? PINING. SO MUCH PINING. Which I love.But this is also a book about grief: characters are pining for what was as much as other characters are pining for what could be. So we talk about grief, loss, hope, and about adapting to massive upheaval - and about The Gilded Age television show.CW: We talk a lot about grief, disordered eating, diet culture in the 90s and 2000s, the death of Mimi’s father, which inspired parts of Lily.Music: purple-planet.comThank you for supporting our sponsors! Sign up for the Red Feather Romance newsletter for free today at https://www.redfeatherromance.com/sbtb/ to start receiving free and discounted romance eBooks sure to keep you up all night long! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 26min
597. Romantic Times Rewind: December 2015 Reviews
We’re traveling back to December 2015 in this month’s RT Rewind!We take a look at the reviews in this issue and along the way talk about audiobook series, historical romance, Jesus by Volume, and the ever-so-small range of grades in each genre. We also take a side trip into JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series.You can find the visual aids for this episode right here!You can find all the Romantic Times Rewind episodes, show notes, and visual aids at RTRewind.com!We also mentioned my review of Lover Revealed by JR Ward.And finally: thank you to the SFWA for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out HEA Quest on January 20! Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 2024 • 41min
596. Books, Wishes, and Extremely Good Jokes with Sneezy, Sandra, Jenna, Lisa, and Shana
Our final holiday wishes episode - thank you to everyone who makes these episodes such a treat. It’s an honor to connect with all of you!This week, Sneezy, Sandra, Tiffany, Lisa and Shana share recommendations, wishes, and terrible jokes. CW: we start off and end with some talk about anxiety brain gremlins, so FYI.Thank you again for making these episodes so fun! Happy New Year!We also mentioned:Baked by the Baroness (Tapas)Roni Loren's NewsletterTODY App Library Extension for ChromeEpisode 342. Stories are Everything with Arkady MartineNarrative TherapyHallmark's "Friends and Family Christmas"COUPON WOO HOO! Go to HelloFresh.com/smarttrashyfree and use code smarttrashyfree for FREE breakfast for life. One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Music: purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 29, 2023 • 36min
595. Holiday Wishes from Amanda, GarlicKnitter, Alanna, and Claudia
The hosts discuss their positive experience with 'You Again' by Kate Goldberg. They reflect on the value of vulnerability in relationships. The guest shares their book recommendations and their preference for emotionally deep romances. The speaker expresses gratitude and shares their reading habits. The host thanks a listener for their review and wishes everyone a happy new year.