Best Multicultural Romance Podcasts (2025)

1
French Fantasies in the Medieval North: Translating Old French Romances at the Court of King Hákon Hákonarson of Norway 31:15

26d ago31:15

31:15

Old Norse translations of Old French romances played a critical role in introducing ideas of courtliness and chivalry and cultivating a shared European literary culture in thirteenth-century Norway. In this episode, scholar of Old Norse studies Mary Catherine O’Connor examines the reasons for translation, how these translations were produced, and a…

1
“Un Poquito Más Mejor” | Listener Extravaganza Two Part Finale Bonanza 1:07:08

1M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Well, this is it. For the past 40 episodes we’ve gathered here wherever you listen to podcasts to laugh, to cry, and to become un poquito más mejor. On the season one finale of More Better, Stephanie and Melissa continue the Listener Mailbag Extravaganza Bonanza. In celebration of you, our lovely listeners and community, Steph and Mel are once agai…

1
“Patches Is the Dream Horse” | Listener Extravaganza Two Part Finale Bonanza 53:06

2M ago53:06

53:06

Buckle up, More Better-ettes, because today we’re kicking off our two-part season finale. We’ve been reading your e-mails, comments and DMs all year and are dedicating our last two episodes to YOU! This week, Stephanie and Melissa are reading your messages, looking at pictures of your pets and answering some rapid-fire questions. After all’s said a…

1
Speculum Spotlight: Burial Archaeology and the First Plague Pandemic 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

In this episode, Reed O'Mara chats with co-authors Janet E. Kay, Jordan Wilson, and Rachel Singer about academic approaches to archaeological and genomic evidence from grave sites and their article "Burial Archaeology and the First Plague Pandemic" (Speculum 100.2), co-written with István Koncz, Merle Eisenberg, Lee Mordechai, and Timothy P. Newfi…

1
“You Don’t Know What Scandoval Is?!” | Appreciating Reality TV 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

Is reality TV rotting our minds or providing community? Are you more of a Scheana or an Ariana? Do you remember where you were when New York made her TV debut on Flavor of Love? What’s your Real Housewives tagline? Today, Stephanie, a self-proclaimed reality TV superfan and Melissa, definitely not that, discuss the genre’s history, impact and most …

1
Making the Marvels: Bringing The Book of Marvels of the World to the Masses 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

In 2022, the Getty Museum acquired a mid-15th c. manuscript copy of The Book of the Marvels of the World featuring an illumination program of global locales, launching a publication and exhibition project in partnership with the Morgan Library & Museum. Larisa and Kelin, two members of Team Marvels (along with Elizabeth Morrison, Senior Curator of …

1
We're Back! Season 4 Producer Introduction 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Catch up with the producers of the Multicultural Middle Ages Podcast in this forerunner episode to Season 4! Featuring Will Beattie, Jonathan Correa-Reyes, Loren Lee, Reed O'Mara, and Logan Quigley For more information, visit www.multiculturalmiddleages.com.

1
“You Close-minded Butthead” | Navigating Multicultural Families 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

What to do when you’re about to marry the love of your life and your family ACTUALLY speaks now and do not forever hold their peace? This week, Stephanie and Melissa read an email from listener Rachel, who is having trouble navigating the fact that she and her now husband come from completely different cultures. Steph and Mel share their experience…

1
“Ataque del Killer Junk Drawer” | Spring Cleaning 44:37

2M ago44:37

44:37

Shhh! Can you hear that? It’s the sound of idyllic Disney princess melodies and cutie little singing birds. That can only mean one thing… spring is on its way to the northern hemisphere. It’s almost time to peel off the wearable blanket you’ve been fused with all winter, open up the damn windows and start decluttering your space. This week Melissa …

1
“Walking Around the Room like a Cat” | Acting 52:39

3M ago52:39

52:39

Are you ready for your closeup? After a couple of weeks of having some of their favorite former co-stars on the pod (Nine-Nine!), Stephanie and Melissa are feeling real thespian. This week, they’re talking about Acting. From their theater school roots to their thoughts on method acting, strap in because we’re getting realllllllll nerdy. And the Osc…

1
“Butt McGee” | Working with Friends with Joe Lo Truglio 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

Would you go into business with your friend? Is calling someone your “work wife” cringe? How do you make friends at work? What’s it like to have your actual spouse as your boss? Would you befriend the guy rocking a dangling George Michael crucifix earring and a beret? Today we’re talking all about what it’s like to work with your friends with the o…

1
“Vindication!” | Funny with Chelsea Peretti 1:03:38

3M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

What makes something funny? How does one be funny? Are Beavis and Butthead back? Here to help answer these existential questions and more is the one and only comedy legend Chelsea Peretti. This week on More Better, Chelsea, Steph and Melissa reminisce about their days on set together on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, share stories about the stupid things that…

1
“F*ck Valentine's Day, Man” | Romance 39:07

3M ago39:07

39:07

Happy Valentine’s Day, More Better fam! Cupid’s on his way. …Or not. If you hate this holiday, we get it. Melissa really gets it. This week, Steph and Mel talk all things ROMANCE. They spill about cringy poetry, emotional breakthroughs over honeymoon pizza, romantic takeout eaten on the floor and the simplicity of making your partner a cup of coffe…

1
“Misquoting Mary Oliver” | Being Bad at Things 43:36

3M ago43:36

43:36

Did you know that Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job as an anchor in Baltimore? Big mistake. Huge. This week, we talk about failure, sucking and imposter syndrome. More Better listener Zander asks: “How do I get more better at being okay with being bad at things?” The answer? Well, it’s complicated. Stephanie and Melissa share about thei…

1
“Women Talking Sh*t in a Sewing Circle” | Balance 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

The Protestant Work Ethic? I don’t know her. What even is work-life balance? Stephanie and Melissa discuss the modern concept’s ancient philosophical roots, its undeniable feminist ties and the influence that Samantha the American Girl doll had on their generation’s understanding of labor rights. Listener Amanda shares her struggles and concerns ab…

1
“Who Raised You?” | Work Bullies 35:17

4M ago35:17

35:17

What to do when a musty dusty co-worker patronizes you in the workplace? Ever frozen up at a rude comment launched your way in the breakroom? This week, More Better listener Stacey writes in to ask the ladies if they’ve ever dealt with a workplace bully. Stephanie and Melissa realize their extensive experience fending off shady opps, and share thei…

1
“Meet Me in Thailand” | Long Distance Friendships 38:36

4M ago38:36

38:36

Stephanie and Melissa haven’t seen each other in person since they recorded the verrrry first episode of More Better last year. Ya know — work, life — things happened.Thus, they have totally perfected the art of The Long Distance Friendship. This week, Aussie pod listener Lauren sends us a voice memo asking for advice on how to maintain her friends…

1
“Little Goalposts” | Resolutions 37:23

4M ago37:23

37:23

Happy 2025! Steph and Melissa survived the lost week between Christmas and New Years or what they are calling the Bermuda Triangle of Weeks and this week on the pod, they are talking about New Year’s Resolutions. Do resolutions haunt you every year? You are not alone! Stephanie and Melissa have found some ways to make resolutions feel less icky; co…

1
Speculum Spotlight: The Medieval Academy of America Centennial Issue 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

In this episode, Will Beattie speaks with the co-editors of a special issue of Speculum: A journal of Medieval Studies (100.1) that coincides with the centennial of the Medieval Academy of America. Together, Roland Betancourt, Karla Mallette, and Will reflect on one hundred years of medieval studies and what the future may hold for the field.…

1
Medievalists Go Online 39:14

5M ago39:14

39:14

Have you ever Googled something about the Middle Ages? Clicked a link to find out the best medieval books of 2024? If so, then you have probably found yourself on Medievalists.net at some point. In this episode, Reed and Loren interview the site’s co-founder, Peter Konieczny, to find out the history of the media outlet and what goes into building c…

1
“Myspace Top 8: A Social Status Moment” | Social Media 39:49

6M ago39:49

39:49

You know it. You love hate it. You’re maybe scrolling on it right now. It’s social media. This week, Steph and Melissa discuss the pros and cons of “the sosh” and dive deep into the psychology of posting. Plus, we answer the perpetual question — Does Stephanie have TikTok on her phone today? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
A Queer Look at Manuscript Illumination: Metamorphosis, Imagination, and the Ovide Moralisé 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

In this episode, art historian Christopher T. Richards chats with Jon and Reed about what we can learn from medieval theories of art-making and sexuality from illuminations found in manuscripts of the Ovide moralisé, an anonymous French poem composed in the fourteenth century. For more information about this conversation, visit www.multiculturalmid…

1
“I’m Not Trying To Make Gravy” | Preparing for Holidays 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

The Holidays are on the horizon and Stephanie and Melissa are READY…kind of. Decor? They have a plan for that. Food? We have some restaurants on speed dial. Best Christmas movies? Well, this one’s slightly a point of contention. Though they do agree on *that* leg lamp being cool. This week on More Better, we’re talking about how to prepare for holi…

1
“She Could Be a Farmer in Those Clothes” | Hobbies 28:35

6M ago28:35

28:35

A hobby is, according to Steph, “stuff you do on your own GD time” that, according to studies, leads to a happier and healthier life. No pressure! This week, Stephanie and Melissa discuss their hobbies — or lack-there-of — and dig deep into what sparks joy for each of them. Looking for a hobby? Why not pick up baking? Competitive dog grooming? How …

1
“Can You Do the Rosa Voice?” | Voice Acting 29:05

7M ago29:05

29:05

Ever wondered what it takes to break into the voice acting biz? Or how Stephanie and Lin Manuel Miranda made her role as Mirabel in Encanto come alive in the recording booth? All the funny voices Mel and Steph did during their downtime on the set of Brooklyn 99? Well, thanks to a special voice note from More Better listener Archie this week, our ta…

1
“Show Up, Even a Little Bit” | Voting 25:16

7M ago25:16

25:16

It’s Election week in America! This week, we revisit our chat with Elsa Collins (@elsamariecollins), professional do-er, humanitarian and founder of Poderistas and This is About Humanity. Steph, Mel and Elsa discuss the election, voting and civic duty in this very special remixed episode with never-before-heard audio. If you’re a fan of More Better…

1
The Medieval Peasantry: A Homogeneous Whole or a Space of Social Diversity? 36:55

7M ago36:55

36:55

What knowledge exists about medieval peasants and their lives? How do we know what we know? In this episode, Elías Carballido González explores various historical approaches to thinking about the peasantry, considers the state of the field in the present day, and discusses a handful of examples with a focus on northwest Iberia. For more information…

1
“Eh Whatever, I’ll Do It Later” | Motivation 33:59

7M ago33:59

33:59

Do you ever find yourself digggggging down deep into your deepest depths trying to scrounge up just a smidge of motivation? Well, you’re not alone. Today Stephanie and Melissa quote Hoobastank and Guns N' Roses as they respond to a question from More Better listener Baylie and share their struggles and successes when it comes to getting sh*t done. …

1
“I Should Not Be Laughing Right Now” | Fear 36:09

7M ago36:09

36:09

It’s October! Time to put on your finest costume and embrace all of the spooky things under a full moon. Are you a fight, flight, freeze or FLOP type of person? Are you a haunted house enthusiast? What’s your favorite scary movie? On today’s episode Stephanie and Melissa discuss their relationships with fear, Halloween and communing with the ancest…

1
“Love Is a Brain Scam” | Heartbreak 38:18

7M ago38:18

38:18

If you’ve ever lived, chances are you’ve loved someone or something. If you’ve ever loved, chances are you’ve had your heart broken to pieces. More Better listener Vivien wrote in to the pod this week asking for advice with just that — heartbreak. In response, Stephanie and Melissa share stories about their first and biggest heartbreaks, their advi…

1
The Textual Cult of Richard Rolle: Writing Contemplation in Later Medieval England 50:32

8M ago50:32

50:32

In this episode, Andrew Albin and Andrew Kraebel, the editors of Speculum's essay cluster on the textual cult of fourteenth-century mystic Richard Rolle, chat with MMA series producer and host Jonathan Correa-Reyes about Rolle's life, his works, and the contemplative life that he practiced. This episode is a collaboration with Speculum: A Journal o…

1
“Horny for Hygge” | Hygge 40:11

8M ago40:11

40:11

The leaves are changing, school’s back in session and there’s a cool breeze rolling in. Here at More Better, that means we’re in our cozy era. Enter, hygge. A defining characteristic of Danish culture, hygge is all things cozy and comfortable. This week, Stephanie and Melissa share what hygge means to them and how they intentionally create cozy spa…

1
Cosmic Ecologies and Animalities in the Jewish Middle Ages 1:02:24

8M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

In this episode, MMA series producer and host Reed O'Mara chats with organizers of and participants in Cosmic Ecologies: Animalities in Premodern Jewish Culture, a recent symposium held at Northwestern University and the Newberry Library. The conversation explores medieval Jewish art and culture, particularly cosmic ecologies and their continuities…

1
The Paintings of the Hall of Kings at Alhambra, Spain 35:29

8M ago35:29

35:29

Art and politics have long been intertwined in Spain. From the early medieval Visigoths to the Umayyad Caliphate to the fall of Granada under Muhammad XII in 1492, political, cultural, and artistic landscapes were continually reshaped as successive groups took power. Ghadi Amer explores the relationship between politics and art movements in medieva…

1
“I Recuse Myself!” | People Pleasing 38:56

8M ago38:56

38:56

Are you afraid to say no? Do you find yourself agreeing with others just to keep the peace? Do you need validation? Well, you might just be a people pleaser. This week Stephanie and Melissa discuss their own people please-y-ness and try to navigate the world of boundaries and confidence. Turns out, “No” is a complete sentence. See omnystudio.com/li…

1
“A Lion Didn’t Eat You This Year!” | Milestone Birthdays 36:52

8M ago36:52

36:52

The listener questions are back! This week, Stephanie and Melissa field a very special question from twin sister listeners Lisa and Kristen who are planning a very special birthday — their 40th! Milestone birthdays can be overwhelming. There can be pressure to throw the perfect party, keep up with the Joneses and make the absolute most of every sin…

1
“Proceed With Caution” | Gossip 36:20

9M ago36:20

36:20

Gossip. We love it, we’re ashamed of it, we simply must know it all. Today Stephanie and Melissa each spill some of the hottest tea they’ve ever come by, explore the intricacies and dangers of talking sh*t and consider a scientific study that theorizes — is gossip actually good? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
“Ya Bore Me” | Enemies 38:50

9M ago38:50

38:50

Listen, we all do our very best to treat others with kindness, have empathy and resolve interpersonal issues in a caring and respectful manner. But…sometimes…as Stephanie so eloquently puts it — “people are shit”. This week, Stephanie and Melissa dive deep into the subject of enemies. Be they bullies, jerks, frenemies or even an arch nemesis — we l…

1
Making Afghanistan Medieval 31:28

9M ago31:28

31:28

Afghanistan today is often called medieval: “a broken 13th-century country” (Liam Fox), “delayed by a few centuries” (Thomas Barfield), ruled by “a medieval band of degenerate savages” (Senator Cotton). How did this label come to take hold, and where do we go from here? Join scholars Tanvir Ahmed and Sabauon Nasseri as they discuss how Afghanistan …

1
“Anxiety and I Are B-F-Fs” | Overthinking 36:48

9M ago36:48

36:48

What should I wear? Does this look stupid? Do people still think about that dumb thing I said at that one party like 10 years ago? Does my dog think I’m weird? What is the worst possible case scenario and how do I prepare? Is everybody in this grocery store staring at me? Did I turn off my hair straightener? WOAH WOAH WOAH. Let’s check in real quic…

1
“I Have a Lot of Power in My Group Chats” | Causes, Community and Civic Duty 34:53

9M ago34:53

34:53

Do you ever feel paralyzed when it comes to showing up for causes? Does online activism feel like it’s just not enough? Wondering if your vote even matters? Too busy lit-er-a-lly just trying to survive but feeling guilty about not doing enough for your community? Well, first of all, breathe, You are not alone. Today, Stephanie and Melissa welcome E…

1
“You Gotta Eat the 12 Grapes!” | Sharing Cultura With Your Kids 39:04

10M ago39:04

39:04

Buenas, More Better fam! Who’s coming over for family dinner? Gather ‘round the table as we discuss cultura and familia this week. Stephanie and Melissa open up about their Colombian, Bolivian and Cuban cultures — from the food, to the language, holidays, traditions, values and more — and how they’re doing their best to pass those foundations on to…

1
Esha and Erosa!!! 1:31:33

10M ago1:31:33

1:31:33

LaCie discusses what she's reading and it is interview time! Listen in as Esha has a great discussion with USA Today Best Selling Author, Erosa Knowles.By LaCie Knight

1
“I Deserve It? Question Mark?” | Self-Care 33:51

10M ago33:51

33:51

What does self-care mean to you? Scheduling a massage? Taking a lunchtime nap? Zoning out on your iPad at your hair appointment? This week, Stephanie and Melissa swap stories and feeeeeelings about self-care. Why is it so hard to do? Why do people shame you when you do make time for it? And how do we shed that guilt and just get the damn massage? S…

1
Prince Vladimir as a Recruit in the War Between Russia and Ukraine 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

Medievalism has been a common—and hardly innocent—practice in eastern European political discourses ever since the dissolution of the USSR in the 1990s. To use but one example, both Russia and Ukraine have laid claims on such prominent historical figures as Prince Vladimir/Volodymyr the Great, Princess Olga, Boris and Gleb/Hlib, as well as on such …

1
Emergency Art History: Protecting At-Risk Cultural Heritage Sites in Nagorno-Karabakh 26:58

10M ago26:58

26:58

Recent years have seen the re-ignition of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The historical monuments of this mountainous territory in the South Caucasus attest to the presence of Armenian people in the region for millennia. With the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict having culminated in the expulsion of Armenians…

1
“It’s Play!” | Accessing Your Creativity 36:53

10M ago36:53

36:53

Everyone can and should embrace their inner creative. Whether you’re a professional artist or you’re just trying to decorate your home, we all benefit from imagination and play sometimes. But sometimes it’s hardddddd. So what’s the solution? Meditating? Journaling? Taking a damn break? This week Stephanie and Melissa discuss how they developed thei…

1
...And We're Back! 1:53:19

10M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Did you miss us?!! Life was life'ing y'all... but we are back with some new heat and an amazing conversation with the dope paranormal author, Auriella Skye!By LaCie Knight

1
“What Pairs With Hot Cheetos?” | Wine 37:02

10M ago37:02

37:02

What is orange wine? Do you know what body means? How about legs? When you’re an adult, people usually expect you to know about things like crown molding, 401ks, osteoporosis and … wine. Today, Stephanie and Melissa welcome Lucia Palm (@lucialoveswine), certified sommelier and wine content creator and educator to ask her all the questions they've e…

1
“Sequestering Yourself in a Corner” | Work Parties 36:38

10M ago36:38

36:38

The dreaded work party. It’s a party! There’s an open bar! But it’s also…work. How do you let loose and mingle freely when your boss is staring at you from behind the shrimp cocktail tower? This week Stephanie and Melissa discuss their Brooklyn 99 parties past and their struggles with striking the perfect professional balance at these events. Some …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Multicultural Romance Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen