We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, empowers romance readers to embrace their love for smut and dive deep into the diverse world of this captivating genre. Tired of feeling judged for your love of steamy reads? Join us as we create a safe space to unpack the complexities and joys of smut, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the power of inclusive storytelling.
We'll explore everything from trope deep dives and author interviews to thought-provoking discussions on topics like body positivity, LGBTQ+ representation, and reclaiming the word "fat." We'll also tackle reading challenges, offer "shelf help" for your TBR pile, and venture into the realms of fantasy romance, offbeat erotica, and the vibrant world of BookTube.
Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @WeReadSmut and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your thoughts.
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
Sexual Wellness in Romance & Ditching Judgmental Language with Jillian OnlyOneBookshelf
Beyond the steamy scenes, how do our favorite romance novels talk about sexual wellness? Are you tired of problematic language like "clean" or "dirty" when discussing sex and STIs in books? Today on We Read Smut, we're diving into the nuances of consent, communication, and ditching judgmental language around sexual health with Jillian of Only One Bookshelf. Join us for a frank and insightful conversation that will change how you think about sexual wellness in fiction and real life.
Jillian Carmichael is a virologist and romance enthusiast who rejects the notion that scientists must be always be serious. After growing up in evangelical purity culture and marrying her college sweetheart, Jillian promptly deconstructed and spent 6 years getting her PhD studying herpes. Yes, THAT herpes. Taking a big risk for her postdoctoral endeavors, Jillian, her spouse, and their two kids moved to a tiny apartment in NYC... 8 months before the COVID pandemic. Those hectic early pandemic days working as a virologist in NYC prompted her to search for an outlet of joy, and that's how she discovered romance novels. Now, Jillian and her family live outside DC and she spends her free time reading, going on family adventures, running, and advocating for science (especially public health and infectious disease) to anyone who will listen.
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Why using terms like "clean" or "dirty" to describe sexual health or intimacy in romance novels is problematic and stems from purity culture.
- The importance of consent in romance and how positive examples in books can equip readers for real-life conversations.
- How romance novels can serve as valuable educational tools for sexual health, covering topics often missed in formal sex education or misrepresented elsewhere.
- The critical need to destigmatize STIs like herpes and HIV, moving away from portraying them as character flaws in fiction.
CONNECT WITH JILLIAN:
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert (Amazon)
A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Amazon)
Bottle Rocket by Erin McLellan (Amazon)
I Think They Love You by Julian Winters (Amazon)
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Amazon)
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Amazon)
Almost Love by Anna P (Amazon)
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
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Connect with Alesia:
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This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
