Best Jason Blitman Podcasts (2025)

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Dwayne Betts (Freedom Reads) 38:34

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8h ago38:34

38:34

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Reginald Dwayne Betts—poet, lawyer, and founder of Freedom Reads—for an intimate conversation about transforming America's prison system one library at a time. In an extraordinary turn of events, Dwayne receives a live call from Jermaine, a friend currently incarcerated at Lawrenceville Correctional Facility. Jerma…

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Best Books of 2025 Superlatives with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) | Ep. 212 1:03:57

6d ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, a…

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[Re-Release] Gregory Maguire (Wicked) feat. Eric Williams and Eden Espinosa 1:33:31

6d ago1:33:31

1:33:31

In this re-release special episode, host Jason Blitman dives into the world of Wicked. Joined by legendary author Gregory Maguire, Guest Gay Reader is comedian and host of That’s a Gay Ass Podcast, Eric Williams, and Gays Reading’s first Guest Gay Icon, Broadway powerhouse Eden Espinosa. Highlights include: 📖 The legacy of this iconic story 🎭 Insid…

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Justinian Huang (Lucky Seed) feat. Lukas Gage, Guest Gay Reader 1:03:51

14d ago1:03:51

1:03:51

In this Thanksgiving week episode, host Jason Blitman talks to brand-new-dad Justinian Huang about his paper baby, Lucky Seed. Conversation highlights: 👻 hungry ghosts and superstitions 🤳🏼 social media and millennials 🦃 tips for navigating family during Thanksgiving Guest Gay Reader™️ this week is White Lotus and Overcompensating favorite--and avid…

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Fall 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) (Ep. 211) 52:29

20d ago52:29

52:29

In Episode 211, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 14 new releases they shared in the Fall 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission…

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Olivia Laing (The Silver Book) feat. Michael "Dancing Blue Shirt Guy" Galyean, Guest Gay Reader 1:07:49

21d ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Olivia Laing (The Lonely City) to talk about their new book, The Silver Book. In this conversation, they dive into: 🎥 making art and Italian cinema 🏳️‍🌈 the role queerness plays throughout Laing’s work 🗣️ how identity becomes a negotiation with—and around—fakeness Plus, this week’s Guest Gay Reader™️ is Mich…

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December Book Club: Erin O. White (Like Family) 31:07

24d ago31:07

31:07

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Erin O. White about her book LIKE FAMILY, the December Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. LIKE FAMILY — a warm, big-hearted debut about the beautiful, messy, complicated ways we love one another. Set in a picturesque town in upstate New York, the novel follows three int…

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State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 with Laura McGrath, Author of the textCrunch Substack (Ep. 210) 54:07

27d ago54:07

54:07

In Ep. 210, Laura McGrath, author of the popular Substack newsletter, textCrunch, joins Sarah to take a sharp look at the State of the Publishing Industry in 2025. This packed episode covers a high-level look at the top sales and book trends, as well as Laura's insights into the future of the book world for 2026. Also, Laura shares her favorite boo…

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Gráinne O'Hare (Thirst Trap) feat. Brian Schaefer, Guest Gay Reader 1:10:34

28d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Host Jason Blitman talks to award-winning Irish writer Gráinne O'Hare about her debut novel, Thirst Trap. Conversation highlights include: ❤️‍🔥 icks on dates 🙃 drunk alter egos 🧡 Taylor Swift 👯‍♀️ long friendships Next up is Guest Gay Reader™️ Brian Schaefer who talks about what he's been reading (hint: it's NOT books!), the book club he has with h…

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Aja Gabel (Lightbreakers) feat. Anthony Delaney, Guest Gay Reader 1:05:42

1M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Host Jason Blitman is joined by Aja Gabel to talk about her first novel in nearly a decade, Lightbreakers. Conversation highlights include: ✍🏻 the death of handwriting 🧪 science vs art 💭 what memory means to us Jason's then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Anthony Delaney who shares a giant stack of books he's reading as well as shares about his new bo…

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Ep. 209: 2025 Debuts Special with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) 56:21

1M ago56:21

56:21

In Episode 209, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) join Sarah for the 5th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their reading stats for debuts this year, along with their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2025. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (a…

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Catherine Newman (Wreck) feat. Rachel Runya Katz, Guest Gay Reader 1:19:00

1M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Host Jason Blitman sits down with returning Gays Reading guest Catherine Newman (Sandwich) to talk about her new book, Wreck. Conversation highlights include: 🤧 Ailments, of course. 😵‍💫 Anxiety, of course. 💻 The Portal, you understand. 🥳 But also a lot of fun stuff, too. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Rachel Runya Katz to hear about wha…

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Tom Ryan (We Had a Hunch) feat. Kim Chi, Guest Gay Reader 1:13:09

2M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

Host Jason Blitman talks to bestselling author Tom Ryan about his latest adult mystery, We Had A Hunch. Highlights include: 🕵🏻‍♂️ a love of mysteries ✍🏻 how Tom taught himself to write 🎤 a question that Tom calls "Barbara Walters level journalism" Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️, RuPaul's Drag Race superstar, Kim Chi about what she's bee…

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What Are You Reading? with Mark and Scott Hoying 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

Prepare to grow your already overflowing TBR (sorry, not sorry!) with our new series What Are You Reading?. In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Pentatonix and Dancing with the Stars' Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying to chat about the books that they've been reading recently and about their new children's book, Fa La La Family. Scott Hoyi…

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November Book Club: Victoria Redel (I Am You) 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Victoria Redel about her book I AM YOU, the November Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. I AM YOU subverts the idea of a 17th-century historical novel — it’s intimate, modern, and deeply queer in the way it explores gender, art, and identity. The characters feel so alive…

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Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop) 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our "Best of…" series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn't work for her.⁠ This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready…

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Megha Majumdar (A Guardian and a Thief) feat. Brandon Taylor, Guest Gay Reader 1:20:52

2M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

Host Jason Blitman talks with Megha Majumdar about her acclaimed second novel, A Guardian and a Thief—recently nominated for the Kirkus Prize and shortlisted for the National Book Award. Conversation highlights include: 🐢 fables and folktales 🦬 interpretations of cave art 🤔 moral quandaries 🎶 concerts and music taste Jason is then joined by Guest G…

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Lily King (Heart the Lover) feat. Dustin Thao, Guest Gay Reader 1:08:22

2M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Lily King about her newest novel, Heart the Lover. Conversation highlights include: 👩🏼‍🏫 weird classes we took in college 📝 beautiful sentences 🃏 a love of card games 💌 a story about letters from an ex-boyfriend Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Dustin Thao who shares what he's been reading and talks about …

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What Are You Reading? feat. Heather Aimee O'Neill (The Irish Goodbye) 26:31

2M ago26:31

26:31

Prepare to grow your already overflowing TBR (sorry, not sorry!) with our new series What Are You Reading?. In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Heather Aimee O’Neill—debut author of The Irish Goodbye, this month’s Read with Jenna pick—to chat about the books that have been keeping her company lately. Heather Aimee O’Neill is a poet, …

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Ep. 207: Regina Black (Author of August Lane) 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her…

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Jade Chang (What a Time to Be Alive) feat. Rose Dommu, Guest Gay Reader 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

⚠️ Quick note: In today’s episode, one of Jade’s answers unfortunately disappears into the ether. It turned out not to be as simple of a fix as we first hoped, but as soon as we’re able to repair it, we’ll update the file. Thanks for listening (and for rolling with the hiccups) Host Jason Blitman talks to author Jade Chang about her newest novel, W…

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An Important Podcast Announcement 3:37

2M ago3:37

3:37

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast. Thank you, SarahBy Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

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What Are You Reading? feat. Sarah Dickinson (Sarah's Bookshelves Live) 38:12

2M ago38:12

38:12

Get ready to add to your ever-growing TBR (we're sorry!) because Gays Reading is kicking off the new series What Are You Reading?. On this episode, host Jason Blitman talks to Sarah Dickinson, host of Sarah's Bookshelves Live, about some of the books she's been reading recently. Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly book podcast featuring real talk …

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Angela Flournoy (The Wilderness) feat. Rickey Laurentiis, Guest Gay Reader 1:09:32

3M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Host Jason Blitman talks to 2025 Kirkus and National Book Award longlisted author Angela Flournoy about her newest book, THE WILDERNESS. Highlights include: 🪣 Angela's bucket list 🗓️ the 10 year journey of writing this book 🎃 The Candy Corn Community 🤫 secret family recipes 🍽️ "group of 7" dinner party guests Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reade…

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Ep. 206: Behind the Scenes of Book Festivals & Author Interviews with Jason Blitman (Host of the Gays Reading Podcast) 55:27

3M ago55:27

55:27

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his book …

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Eliana Ramage (To the Moon and Back) feat. M.L. Rio, Guest Gay Reader 1:16:24

3M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Host Jason Blitman talks to Eliana Ramage about her debut novel, TO THE MOON AND BACK, this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick. Highlights include: 💭 many childhood ambitions 📚 Reading Rainbow contest trauma 🌈 the intersection of queerness and Cherokeeness 🧜🏻‍♀️ comparisons to The Little Mermaid Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ M.L. Rio, who …

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October Book Club: Alejandro Varela (Middle Spoon) 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Alejandro Varela, about his book MIDDLE SPOON, the October Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. MIDDLE SPOON unpacks what happens when you’ve got the husband, the kids, the bougie life… AND you’re going through a breakup with your boyfriend. Provocative, witty, and deeply…

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What Are You Reading? feat. Mattea Roach (Bookends CBC's Literary Podcast) 52:06

3M ago52:06

52:06

Get ready to add to your ever-growing TBR (we're sorry!) because Gays Reading is kicking off the new series What Are You Reading?. On this episode, Jason talks to the host of Bookends, the CBC's literary podcast, Mattea Roach, to learn about what they've been reading recently. About Bookends: the CBC's literary podcast When the book ends, the conve…

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Patrick Ryan (Buckeye) feat. Rabih Alameddine, Guest Gay Reader 1:11:41

3M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Host Jason Blitman talks to Patrick Ryan about his new novel, Buckeye, which is this month’s Read with Jenna Book Club selection. They talk about writing inspirations, father-son relationships, and Ryan's love for pinball. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, Rabih Alameddine (The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)) his pers…

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Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine GIlmore (@GilmoreGuide) 51:37

3M ago51:37

51:37

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from mid-August through December. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show…

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Stacey Abrams (Coded Justice) feat. Dan Pelosi, Guest Gay Reader 1:23:19

3M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

Host Jason Blitman kicks off season 5 with political leader and author Stacey Abrams discussing her latest legal thriller, Coded Justice, the role of AI in healthcare, and what it means to be a professional troublemaker. Later, Jason is joined by Dan Pelosi, beloved for his culinary adventures on Instagram as @grossypelosi, who chats about his new …

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Ep. 204: Summer 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn't work and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a …

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Ep. 203: An Indie Bookstore's First Year with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) 58:16

4M ago58:16

58:16

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop's journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn't, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves —…

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BONUS: Sam Wachman (The Sunflower Boys) 30:26

4M ago30:26

30:26

THE SUNFLOWER BOYS by Sam Wachman is a terrific debut that delivers exactly the kind of deeply necessary storytelling we need right now. Sam crafts a profoundly moving narrative that tackles urgent contemporary themes with sensitivity and power—yes, it takes place at the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, but it's so much more than that. In t…

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Ep. 202: 2025 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) 52:35

4M ago52:35

52:35

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category.…

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J.R. Dawson (The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World) feat. Jonathan Capehart, Guest Gay Reader 1:20:37

4M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

In the season finale of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman reconnects with author and former college classmate J.R. Dawson to discuss her new novel, The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World. Their conversation explores the book's themes of grief, memory, and navigating life's inevitable transitions—while also diving into debates about ketchup, Chicago…

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Ep. 201: Lidija Hilje (Author of Slanting Towards the Sea) + Book Recommendations 52:58

5M ago52:58

52:58

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book …

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What Are You Reading? with Brad Summerville (@bradboughtabook) 44:20

5M ago44:20

44:20

Host Jason Blitman talks to Brad Summerville, aka @bradboughtabook on Instagram in this pseudo-bonus episode. They discuss their current reads, ranging from queer sci-fi fantasy to heartwarming romances and engrossing crime fiction. Jason and Brad delve into their tastes in books, the influence of nineties romcoms on contemporary queer literature, …

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Nicci Cloke (Her Many Faces) feat. Tess Sharpe, Guest Gay Reader 1:11:40

5M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Host Jason Blitman welcomes author Nicci Cloke to discuss her latest novel and US debut, Her Many Faces. They explore the inspiration behind the book's innovative structure, Nicci's transition from UK to American publishing, and her unexpected background working as an elf. Later, Jason sits down with Guest Gay Reader, author Tess Sharpe (No Body No…

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Ep. 200: 200th Episode Celebration with Susie and Catherine 1:07:42

5M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Welcome to the 200th episode of Sarah's Bookshelves Live with a very special celebration with both co-hosts: Susie (@NovelVisits) and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books. Today, they are answering listener-submitted questions all about their reading journeys, their podcast journeys, and some about their pre-podcast blogging days! This post contains…

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Ruben Reyes Jr. (Archive of Unknown Universes) feat. Chloe Michelle Howarth, Guest Gay Reader 1:07:09

5M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Ruben Reyes Jr. to discuss his highly anticipated debut novel, Archive of Unknown Universes, which follows his acclaimed story collection, There is a Rio Grande in Heaven. Their conversation ranges from advocating for the perfect 90-minute movie runtime to how specifics become universal, plus Ruben's late-in-life d…

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Dylin Hardcastle (A Language of Limbs) feat. Benedict Nguyễn, Guest Gay Reader 1:02:51

5M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Dylin Hardcastle about their new book A Language of Limbs. They explore what it means to be fully present, and Dylin offers insights into the fascinating history of Claude Cahun, the pioneering French artist and writer, then reflects on their experience living in an all-trans household. Dylin opens up about thei…

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Joe Westmoreland (Tramps Like Us) feat. Rob Franklin, Guest Gay Reader 1:01:43

6M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Joe Westmoreland to discuss the newly republished edition of his 2001 novel, Tramps Like Us. They explore the book’s evolution from memoir to fiction, delve into the “Pink Bubble” technique, and revisit untold stories from Joe’s hitchhiking days that didn’t make it into the final draft. They also reflect on …

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Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Susie and Catherine 1:04:31

6M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In Ep. 199, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and Sarah are all back on the mic, ready to catch up on how their reading is shaping up for 2025 — so far! They talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and their personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. Th…

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Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big) feat. Chip Pons, Guest Gay Reader 1:04:47

6M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Leila Mottley (The Girls Who Grew Big) to discuss her experience as a doula and how it shaped her portrayals of motherhood. They explore themes of friendship, family, shame, and the evolving landscape of abortion laws in Florida. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader, Chip Pons, who shares insights on h…

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Allison King (The Phoenix Pencil Company) feat. Jeff Hiller, Guest Gay Reader 1:12:09

6M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Host Jason Blitman talks with author Allison King about her debut novel The Phoenix Pencil Company, June's Reese's Book Club selection. They explore themes of memory, the importance of preserving and sharing stories, and yes—pencils. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Jeff Hiller (HBO's Somebody Somewhere), who shares his current reads and …

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S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) feat. Richie Jackson, Guest Gay Reader 1:10:43

6M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Host Jason Blitman talks to author S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) about books that inspired Cosby early in his writing, the plot holes he found in fairy tales as a kid, his appreciation of Shakespeare's work, and his commitment to being an LGBTQIA+ ally. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, author and theatre producer Richie Jackson, who shares wh…

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Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) 53:53

6M ago53:53

53:53

Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new "Best of…" series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels…and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn't work for her.⁠ Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the…

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V.E. Schwab (Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil) feat. Melissa Febos, Guest Gay Reader 1:16:09

6M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Host Jason Blitman welcomes bestselling author Victoria "V.E." Schwab for a conversation about her remarkable milestone—her 25th book, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. They discuss the profound power of names, exploring how identity shapes both fantasy storytelling and LGBTQIA+ narratives, the impact of representation in literature, and the mom…

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The Edmund White Episode 47:40

6M ago47:40

47:40

Host Jason Blitman sits down with legendary author Edmund White, a towering figure in gay literature, for what would become one of White's final recorded conversations. In this deeply personal conversation, they explore White's latest memoir The Loves of My Life, delving into his reflections on love's many forms, the intimate dynamics that sustain …