45 Romance Podcasts for Your Listening Pleasure!

Click here for the November 2018 update of the list – now with 65 entries!

I found 45(!) romance podcasts, created by readers, writers, bloggers, and publishing houses, and covering Austen, author interviews, black romance, fantasy romance, Filipino romance, lesbian romance, literary criticism, m/m romance, queer romance, self-publishing, writing… Whatever your flavor, I hope you’ll find it here! And if I missed any, let me know. I haven’t listened to all of them, and not all of them are still producing new episodes, but I wanted to share as comprehensive a list as possible. I think there are probably a lot more Austen-related podcasts…

All The Kissing

“All The Kissing blog and podcast is your online resource created by romance writers, for romance writers. Enjoy community, support, and encouragement as well as hone your craft whether you’re just starting to write or you’re already published. Join show hosts Alexa Martin and Shannon Caldwell as we discuss research, writing, editing, revising, and staying sane while writing romance.”

Authorized: Love and Romance

“Top authors on writing, sex and romance. Interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning contributor, Faith Salie.” An Audible podcast/production.

Avon on the Air

“We’re steaming up the airwaves! Every program features enticing interactions with reader-favorite romance authors, that’s always lively, sometimes provocative, and never afraid to ask the question, “What really happens between the covers…of your novel?” Remember: it’s all the fun of video, minus the makeup!”

Black Chick Lit

“Black Chick Lit is a twice-monthly podcast that talks books by and for black women. Join Dani and Mollie as they talk prose, drink wine and laugh at their own jokes.”

Bonnets At Dawn

“Austen vs. Brontë is a literary thunderdome! Listen each week as Lauren and Hannah compare and contrast the lives, work and fandoms of the Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.”

The Book Shame Book Club

“Put on your DJ’s (your Dom Jeans), and join Emily and Elle for a biweekly chat about all the romance novels we love and love to hate. Each episode, we’ll unload all our arbitrary, unprofessional opinions about a different romantic trope. All of the smut with none of the schmaltz.”

Book Thingo

“The Book Thingo podcast features lively discussions between readers, academics, and bestselling authors about romance books, culture, and Tim Tams. Find out about upcoming romance titles and old favourites. Discover how the romance genre reflects feminism, sexuality, morality, and culture. Happy endings are mandatory. Hosted by Kat Mayo and produced in Australia.”

Drunk Austen

“It’s a truth universally acknowledged that we’re drunk. Drunk Austen is an online community that mixes booze and books into a perfect cocktail of snark. Sit back, grab a drink and enjoy discussion about our favorite Regency authoress, Jane Austen.”

The Feminist Romantic

“The Feminist Romantic podcast is hosted by Cara McKinnon, author of the Fay of Skye fantasy romance series. Frequent topics include books, writing, romance, and misc pop culture/media from a feminist/sex positive/diversity encouraging point of view.”

First Draught Writing

“Write. Publish. Market. At First Draught we love a good brew (or bourbon) almost as much as we love our writing. So we decided to combine the two! Each month you’ll find a new episode about the craft of writing a good book, or a discussion on handling the publishing industry.”

Focus on Fantasy Romance

“A weekly podcast via Google Hangouts where we discuss books, genre, industry, and our geeky lives.”

From the Lighthouse

“From the Lighthouse is a literary podcast published out of the Department of English at Macquarie University. Your hosts Dr Stephanie Russo and Dr Michelle Hamadache love to talk about anything to do with books, from the latest bestsellers and prize-winners, film and television adaptations of books to bookish news. Join us fortnightly as we chat all things literary.”

Girl, Have You Read…

“GirlHaveYouRead.com is serving up black romance — and a little more — for whatever reading mood you’re in. Reviews, discussions, recommendations, blog posts, and a podcast, all centering around a need to see black characters represented on the pages. You want it? We’ve got it. If we don’t, we’ll find it. And the next time your reading friends ask you: “Girl, have you read…?” your answer will be “Yes!””

Heaving Bosoms

“Best friends and romance aficionados, Erin and Melody, giggle about a new romance novel every week. We take ourselves VERY seriously.”

The Hopeless Romantic

“Amanda Jean delights in wrestling manuscripts for her day job, worships at the altar of tropes, and has never met a villain or sexy alien she doesn’t like. Austin Chant writes books about gay magic and toxic masculinity, likes his queer stories with a slice of anguish, and kinda wants to be a pirate. Together, they discuss queer romance fiction and the broader world of queer media.”

Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast

“Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast is for readers and writers of gay romance fiction. If you can read it, write it, watch it or listen to it, we’ll talk about it. Look for new episodes each Monday.”

Lady Books

“Two ladies (a term we use loosely) chitty-chat about reading, writing, designing, editing, and publishing books.”

The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast

Part of the Lesbian Talk Show. “An annotated bibliography blogging project that looks at published research of interest to writing historic lesbian characters.”

Love Letters

From The Boston Globe. “A single, burning question about love and relationships, every season. Explored through stories. Hosted by Boston Globe advice columnist Meredith Goldstein.”

Magi Romance

“Magi Romance is a podcast discussing romance novels, romance authors, cover models, and other fun industry facts.”

Nice Girls Reading Naughty Books

“Romance novelist Bernadette Walsh leads fun, relaxed discussions about romance novels with various members of the publishing industry.”

Not Now, I’m Reading

“Not Now, I’m Reading is a book club and fandom discussion podcast! Once a week, online besties and all-around lady nerds Chelsea and Kay get together to discuss all different sorts of genre reads, fan fiction and pop culture. When picking reads, our guiding principle is that we want to read things that make us happy. From comics to romance, through science-fiction, young adult, crime or fantasy – pretty much anything that can be classed as genre fiction goes, as long as it’s something we can gush about. We always aim to be critical readers but we want this show to be a space for positivity and celebrating fiction that gets things right. No book is perfect, but there are some damn good ones, and we want to be reading them.”

Not Your Mom’s Romance Book Club

“Imagine reading your favorite steamy romance novel… with your mom reading over your shoulder. Ellen and her mom set out to do just that with this book club and they want you to join in. It’s fun, it’s swoony, and it’s awkward.”

One True Pairing

From Macmillan. “Pop culture, juicy romance and hilarious conversations come together in One True Pairing. Join Erica Martirano and Marissa Sangiacomo as they revisit their favorite couples from across TV, movies, books, and pop culture. From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Ross and Rachel, this roller coaster of bad boys, break-ups, and HEAs (Happily Ever Afters) combines love, feminism, sex, and relationships with the gossip you love.”

Romance Between the Pages

“Ever wanted to learn about the personalities behind your favorite romance books? Every week two New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance authors bring you weekly news and interviews with the biggest names in contemporary, new adult, and paranormal romance. Victoria Danann and Riley J. Ford ask the unexpected and sometimes get answers that will surprise you. Join us for an informal chat with the writers that make the romance happen.”

Romance Book Chat

“Romance Book Chat hosts Kym Roberts and Misty Dietz freaking love happily-ever-afters. Long-time friends with many published books between them, they’ve come up with several schemes, but this podcast racket may be their most daring project to date. Like you, they don’t have time to read blogs or spend hours on social media, so each episode is around 30 minutes. They wanna honor your time with all the feels, then send you on your way with a smile on your face. No negativity, no spoilers. Just engaging content, author interviews, and book recommendations. Join Kym, Misty, and their guests for a quick bit of fun, romance-lovin’ community!”

#romanceclass

“Each episode is an audio recording of two actors reading an excerpt from a romance novel by a Filipino author.” Episode descriptions imply there are also interviews.

Romancepodden

Mostly in Swedish, but occasionally in English.

Romance Romp

“Kini Allen discusses the wonderful world of romance novels.”

Scandal and the Sexy Book Nerd Herd

“A weekly discussion of current events in the romance book world. From Contemporary Romance, to Paranormal to Erotica, 5 ladies talk honestly bout their likes and dislikes. We discuss trends and industry hot topics along with titles we are anxiously awaiting. Toss in some humor and sass and you’ve got Scandal and the Sexy Book Nerd Herd.”

Smart Podcast, Trashy Books

“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, Jaye Wells, and Rachel Aaron. Amanda, Carrie, Elyse, and RedHeadedGirl, the crew of reviewers at SB-TB.com, also make frequent appearances with maximum silliness. 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.”

SPA Girls Podcast

“Join the SPA Girls for a weekly 30 minute show with information, tips and honest advice on how to get started in self publishing specifically aimed at romance authors. This show is for those new to self publishing, or just thinking about self publishing, and we help you dip your toes into the water, answer the questions you were too afraid to ask, and generally show you that it’s a great place to be!”

Stupid Sexy Romance

“Em and Jamie traverse through the weird, wacky, and wonderful world of romance novels. Em reads the novels, and (much to Jamie’s embarrassment) describes their gory details. Join the hosts of “Stupid Sexy Romance” on an adventure through romance lit, hear the male and female perspective on all things naughty, and listen to Jamie progressively die on the inside.”

This Is Love

“From the makers of the award-winning podcast Criminal, This is Love investigates life’s most persistent mystery. Stories of sacrifice, obsession, and the ways in which we bet everything on one another.”

Too Stupid to Live: Cheap Reviews of Cheap Romance Novels

“There’s nothing like a good romance novel. And there’s definitely nothing like a cheap romance novel. On ‘Too Stupid to Live’ comedy writer/actor Becky Feldman along with a hilarious guest review romance novels that are $5 or less. Each episode is filled with naughty reviews, sexy excerpts and perceptive analysis on those steamy book covers.”

Top To BOTM

“Top to BOTM Podcast is a bi-monthly, all-inclusive male/male (m/m) romance podcast that covers new releases, industry news, comics, manga, yaoi, video games … anything regarding our favorite genre!”

Trashy Book Nook

“Celebrating the diverse, outlandish, absurd, and freaky side of romance.”

Unladylike

“Find out what happens when women break the rules – those unwritten but all too real bullsh*t expectations of how we should live our lives. Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin (formerly Stuff Mom Never Told You) tackle questions through their trademark obsessive research, stories from rule-breakin’ ladies and a solid dose of delightful feminist rage.”

UnladylikePodcast

“Conversations with women about writing. Hosted by Adele Walsh and Kelly Gardiner.”

When In Romance

BookRiot’s romance podcast offering. “When In Romance is a biweekly show dedicated to romance novel news, gushing, and book recommendations!”

Whoa!mance

“a podcast about bodice busters, feminism, satin sheets, beefy Scotsman, tender feelings and–most of all–romance novels”

The Wicked Wallflowers Club

“We are two authors who read, write, and love everything about the romance genre. We celebrate female empowerment and sex positivity. Entertainment Weekly featured us on their “Must List” as “a compelling reminder of why the oft-dismissed genre is a real force in cultural conversations”.”

Written On the Edge

“Tune in for weekly discussions about LGBTQ storytelling in all genres and mediums. Our guests share personal accounts on living the artistic life and their personal experiences writing, crafting, and reading stories that explore the edges of what’s accepted and where storytelling should be headed.”

Women With Books

“A podcast to discuss genre fiction (romance, mystery and more) by, for and about women writers. Hosted by Lindsay Emory, author | reader | HBIC | feminist girl mom”

XOXO After Dark

Simon & Schuster organized podcast, last episode aired March 2018. Description from iTunes, also for the XOXO After Dark website: “Watch trailers for the hottest new reads in romance and urban fantasy and listen to some of the genre’s best writers divulge what inspires their stories. Enjoy free reads and exclusive content every week when you become a member of XOXO After Dark–because the best conversations happen after dark.”

Before I started compiling a list of romance-related podcasts, I had some vague thought that I might be interested in starting one. Obviously the space is well-covered! I’m revising my podcasting plans to ‘be a guest sometime’ which has the added benefit of not investing in expensive microphones or hiding in blanket forts/closets to escape echoes. If you’re considering it, though, here’s a recent BookRiot piece entitled “What I Learned from (Co)Launching a Literary Podcast.”

If you’re wondering when I’m getting back to my syllabus readings, well… my next read, Kathleen Winsor’s Forever Amber, is a daunting 972 pages long, and I’m calling spring break while I read it. Next week might be romantic cat memes…

Header image by Henra, via Pixabay.