Gays Reading

Host Jason Blitman sits down with current Good Morning America Book Club author Jemimah Wei ( The Original Daughter ) to explore what silences born of care open up between families, the importance of chosen family, and the unexpected costs of liberation. Jemimah shares childhood memories at McDonald's and reveals the three definitive ways to eat a french fry. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with often-mentioned Rosie O'Donnell to discuss her newest project, Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism . They also talk books, Broadway, bootlegs, and more in this special bonus episode of Gays Reading . You can learn more about Guide Dogs of America by visiting guidedogsofamerica.org . Unleashing Hope is produced by NY27 Productio...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with bestselling author Fredrik Backman ( My Friends ) to discuss his love of films, why he could win a Taylor Swift lyric competition, and the exact moment he recalls where his humor originated. Fredrik shares why he doesn't call himself an "author," how he's struggled with confidence, and much more. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Erika J...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Annie Hartnett ( The Road to Tender Hearts ) about the roots of her humor, why no one can sit in the backseat of her car, and her short-lived foray into greeting card writing. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Debbie Millman , who shares what she's been reading, why she had to stop listening to the audiobook of Barbra Streisand's memoir, and the story b...

In this episode of Spill the Tea , host Jason Blitman is joined by professor Nathan H. Lents ( The Sexual Evolution ) to unpack the sexual history of humans to better understand how we got to today. They talk about the expansive relationship to sex and sexulaity that humans used to have, how our approach to sex and gender comes from hundreds of millions of years of sexual evolution, social and eco...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Electric Literature's editor-in-chief Denne Michele Norris about her debut novel, When the Harvest Comes. They talk about the unexpected 14-year journey to write the book, love at first sight, and the importance of stories like this one, especially today. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Zee Carlstrom who shares what they've been reading and talks abou...

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Seán Hewitt ( Open , Heaven ) to discuss sense memories, queer representation in school growing up, and Seán’s aversion to musicals—despite offering a sharp insight into The Sound of Music 's film adaptation. Later, Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Jeffery Self , who shares what he’s currently reading, talks about his book Self Sabotage , and reflects on t...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Katie Kitamura ( Audition ) about learned behaviors, the nature of intimacy, the art of performance, and her immersive process of writing. Perhaps most importantly, they talk at length about french fries. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Nathan Lee Graham , currently starring in Hulu's Mid-Century Modern  to talk about what he's reading. Katie Kitamura...

For the inaugural episode of the new series Spill the Tea , host Jason Blitman is joined by Elda Rotor, VP and Publisher of Penguin Classics . They delve into what defines a 'classic,' explore Penguin's expansive and diverse catalog, talk about contemporary works, and discuss the importance of context in classic literature. Make sure to stick around for Elda's classic character...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Sameer Pandya ( Our Beautiful Boys ) about his affinity for textiles and half-sleeve shirts, the surprising phase Sameer went through in school, and the best time in a party to play Butt Darts. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, prolific author Emma Donoghue who shares what she's been reading and talks about her new book, The Paris Express . Our Beautiful Bo...

Host Jason Blitman talks with Kristen Arnett ( Stop Me If You've Heard This One ) about grief, art, optimism, and their shared Florida experience. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Torrey Peters, who discusses what she’s been reading and shares insights into Stag Dance , her latest book following her breakout novel, Detransition, Baby . Kristen Arnett is the author of the New York Time...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Jinwoo Chong ( I Leave It Up To You ) about the inspiration behind his new novel, what it means to start over, and the most accurate way to eat sushi. Jason is then joined by actress, comedian, content creator Dylan Mulvaney who talks about what she's been reading, her new book Paper Doll , and her endless upcoming projects. Jinwoo Chong is the author of the novel...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Clare Leslie Hall ( Broken Country ) about the inspiration behind her book and how she straddled multiple genres. They talk about themes of nostalgia, the challenges of writing, and the emotional connections to her characters. Broken Country is the March 2025 pick for both Reese's Book Club and Barnes & Noble's Book Club. Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist an...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Charlotte McConaghy ( Wild Dark Shore ) about Charlotte's journey from writing fantasy epics to exploring real-world themes, environmentalism and human connection in her recent works, and the challenges and joys of depicting complex, authentic characters. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Bruce Vilanch who shares amusing anecdotes from his vast career in ent...

In this bonus episode of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman is in conversation with author Sara Sligar ( Vantage Point ) recorded live at the Palm Springs Readers' Festival. Together they explore the unsettling world of deepfakes and their impact, the inspiration behind her novel, and the ethical implications of deepfake technology. Sara Sligar is an author and academic based in Los Angeles, wh...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Karissa Chen ( Homeseeking ) about musicals--particularly The Last Five Years' influence on her writing, dreams as well as idealism, the coincidence of reconnection, and the concept of seeking home. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Paul Lisicky ( Song So Wild and Blue ) and talk about all things Joni Mitchell. Homeseeking is the January 2025 Good Morning Am...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Nancy Johnson ( People of Means ) about race, class, and civil rights, offering a multi-layered perspective on life issues both timeless and timely. They touch on intriguing parent-child relationships, the omnipresent "they," and more. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, musical artist McKenna Michels , who shares her unique blend of storytelling through...

In this special Valentine's Day episode, host Jason Blitman talks to February's Read with Jenna author, Jessica Soffer ( This is a Love Story ). From New York City's Central Park to the evocative smell of street food, Jason and Jessica explore the romantic and the realist perspectives on love. They share some personal loves, book and story recommendations, and even a few favorite fo...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Jennifer Finney Boylan ( Cleavage ) about gender identity, homemade pizza, music, and much more. Jennifer even plays an impromptu song on the piano! Then Jason is joined by Julian Winters ( I Think They Like You ) about his debut adult novel and their mutual love for rom-coms. Jennifer Finney Boylan is the author of nineteen books, including Mad Honey , coauthored with...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Ira Madison III ( Pure Innocent Fun ) about everything from reading Entertainment Weekly in the cafe at Barnes & Noble to elements of nostalgia like their mutual love of the pink Power Ranger, the importance of Limewire, and the best Sondheim musicals. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Todd Almond ( Slow Train Coming ) about what he's reading (a lot!) an...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Daniel Black (Isaac's Song) about father-son relationships, masculinity, vulnerability, and Black's Rate My Professor reviews. Jason then welcomes this week's Guest Gay Reader, former NFL player R.K. Russell ( The Yards Between Us ) and they talk about books and representation in sports and literature. Daniel Black is an author and professor of Afr...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Lotte Jeffs about their new book This Love exploring themes of queer identities, chosen families, and the nuances of relationships. This episode was recorded live at Warwick's in San Diego. Buy a signed copy of This Love at Warwick's HERE ! Lotte Jeffs (she/they) is an award-winning writer and the author of the acclaimed non-fiction books How To Be a Gentlewom...

Host Jason Blitman talks to acclaimed author Nnedi Okorafor ( Death of the Author ) about her inspiration for the book, the personal tragedy that shaped its narrative, and her thoughts on the intersection of human artistry and AI. Then Jason talks to Guest Gay Reader, UK drag queen Holly Stars, who shares her recommendations for light-hearted reading and gives us a sneak peek into her own new rele...

In this special bonus episode of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman talks with Logan Lockner about an article from New York Magazine , in which Lockner talks about the books he chose to save during his evacuation from the LA fires, and the invaluable role books play in our lives as sources of comfort and connection. Additional resources to support: Support Library Foundation of Los Angeles Support l...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Kate Fagan ( The Three Lives of Cate Kay ) about the intricacies of her novel, touching on themes of identity, ambition, the complexity of human relationships, and the many lives we live. Jason is then joined by guest gay reader Kathryn Budig who shares her current reads and insights from her own literary journey, including details about her imprint, Inky Phoenix...