Gays Reading

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 about books and recommendations...

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 Reader™️ Rickey Laurentiis , who...

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 shares what she’s been reading, gives Shake...

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 human—this one’s not afraid to challenge the so-...

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 conversation begins. Mattea Roach...

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 perspective on dealing with trauma, devotion,...

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 cookbook Let's Party . STACEY ABRAMS is a N...

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 this *spoiler free* conversation, Sam shares...

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-style pizza, and music in their first...

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, and the complexities of writing male-male romance...

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 Crime ), discussing her love of 80s a...

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 discovery of musical legends Joni Mitchell a...

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 their relationship with their aunt and the transforma...

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 how everything seems to be constantly changing—ye...

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 his debut book Winging It With You , his love fo...

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 discusses his new memoir Actress...

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 what he's been reading and reflects on...

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 moment that nearly drove Schwab to walk aw...

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 lasting relationships, and the re...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut author Austin Taylor ( Notes on Infinity ) to talk about themes of ambition, mortality, and the challenges of being a woman in science. They also explore big questions about life, the next big thing in science, and Austin shares an insightful critique of the film When Harry Met Sally . Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Nicola Dinan who talks about wha...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with debut novelist Lucas Schaefer to discuss The Slip , diving into themes of identity, self-expression, and the inspiration behind the book. They explore Lucas’s personal experiences at a boxing gym, the real-life mentor who shaped one of his characters, and what led to the end of his theater career. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Mike Curato ( Gaysians )...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy ( Let Them Stare ) about astrology, the names of their teenage cars, and early inspirations for their book. And Crock Pots. And British accents. And Nobu. They talk about a lot. Jason is then joined by queer icon Alison Bechdel who shares what she's been reading and talks about her new graphic novel, Spent .    Julie & JVN Pub...

In this episode of Spill the Tea , host Jason Blitman is joined by Alison Wood Brooks , behavioral scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Curious . They talk about her TALK maxims, what it means to be curious, tapping the adjacent possible, and Alison shares what makes a perfect conversation. Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Daria Lavelle ( Aftertaste ) to explore the sensory phenomenon of clairgustance, how words possess distinct textures that can be experienced beyond their meanings, and the fascinating etymology of the word "taste." Daria reflects on the delicate balance between happiness and grief and shares her journey discovering the many dimensions of hunger. J...

In this episode of Spill the Tea , host Jason Blitman chats with Alicia Valenski , author of Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide , about her journey in creating an inclusive, community-driven resource that highlights 50+ destinations ideal for queer travelers. Alicia shares insights into her interview process with LGBTQ+ insiders and how the book goes beyond standard travel advice by weaving in pe...