Gays Reading

Host Jason Blitman kicks off Gays Reading season four with special guests from the Book Riot Podcast , Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky . They join forces to discuss their most anticipated books of 2025, covering a wide range of genres and highlighting some exciting upcoming releases. Later, Jason chats with Brad Summerville, aka @bradboughtabook on Bookstagram, about his top queer book picks...

In the season finale of Gays Reading , host Jason Blitman sits down with Ann Patchett to discuss the annotated edition of her acclaimed novel Bel Canto . They explore the power of memory, the key to learning and appreciating opera, and much more. Ann shares stories about meeting Jim Parsons at Our Town on Broadway, attending the only baseball game of her life, and what she would say to her younger...

In this bonus episode of What's the TEA? host Jason Blitman talks to Hannah Silva about the exploration of queer single parenting and AI in her book, My Child, The Algorithm as well as Tom Pyun about his debut novel, Something Close to Nothing . What's the TEA? gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A. Ha...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A.  This episode features Daniel Aleman talking to Jason about his new book, I Might Be in Trouble . Daniel Aleman is the award-winning author of Indivisible and Brighter Than the Sun . Born and raised in Mexico City, he no...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Weike Wang ( Rental House ) about her dream vacation, the commonality of in-laws, and their mutual love of House Hunters. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, Joseph Lezza , who talks about what he's reading and shares insights about how he navigates grief during the holiday season.  The Trouble with Friends   Weike Wang is a graduate of Harvard Univers...

Host Jason Blitman is joined by Susan Rieger (Like Mother, Like Mother) to record together at the Penguin Random House offices. They explore the idea of "Elephant Memories," a podcast within the book, as they share personal stories of early memories and family. Like Mother, Like Mother is an Aardvark Book Club selection (use code GAYSREADING at checkout to get first book for only $4 + fr...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Christopher Bollen ( Havoc ) about everything from purging personal belongings to the layered concept of havoc and chaos, the fascinating world of hotels, and Chris' love-hate relationship with musicals. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Simon Doonan (TV's Making It , The Camp 100 ) about what he's reading, as well as the difference between Camp an...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Brit Barron ( Do You Still Talk to Grandma? ) about themes of family, cancel culture, and finding empathy despite differences. Jason is then joined by author and advice columnist, Guest Gay Reader R. Eric Thomas who brings his signature wit and charm, offering insightful advice for handling tricky family dynamics during the holidays. Brit Barron is a renowned speaker, t...

In this 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 , they discuss the impact and legacy of this iconic story. From insider stories and unforgettable riffs to deep conver...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A.  This episode features Sarah Leavitt talking to Jason about her new book, Something, Not Nothing . Sarah Leavitt is the author of the graphic memoir Tangles: A Story About Alzheimer's, My Mother, and Me (Freehand Bo...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Oliver Radclyffe ( Frighten the Horses ) about his journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of being true to oneself, Henry Higgins, and his dating life. Jason is joined by Guest Gay Reader Roxane Gay , who discusses her role in bringing Oliver's memoir to life through her imprint, Roxane Gay Books, what she's currently reading, the pros o...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Lester Fabian Brathwaite ( Rage: On Being Black, Queer, Brilliant, and Completely Over It ) about musicals and masculinity, drag queens, their introductions to Rosalind Russell, and seeing humanity in villains. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Brian Derrick to talk about what he's reading as well as a timely discussion on the importance of political...

Host Jason Blitman chats with accidental poet Lyndsay Rush ( A Bit Much ) about the unique flavors of snacks, traumatic school memories, and the importance of embracing one's "bit much" personality. This episode’s Guest Gay Reader is Cody Rigsby (Peloton and Dancing with the Stars ), who shares with Jason what he’s currently reading—and what he might ask if he submitted a question t...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A. This episode features chef and restaurateur Jeremy Salamon talking to Jason about his cookbook, Second Generation . Jeremy Salamon is the James Beard–nominated chef and owner of the beloved Agi’s Counter in Brooklyn, a 2...

Host Jason Blitman is joined by trans icon and Supergirl star Nicole Maines talking about her new book It Gets Better… Except When It Gets Worse , Disney movies, and the transformative power of storytelling. Guest Gay Reader Sammy Rae shares her unique reading interests and shares more about the exciting release of her band Sammy Rae and the Friends ’ first full-length album. Nicole Maines is an a...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Eliot Schrefer ( The Brightness Between Us ) about the challenges and joys of writing, the nuances of sci-fi, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. Later, guest gay reader Arielle Egozi ( BEing Bad ) joins to chat about self-acceptance, societal expectations, and her latest read. Eliot Schrefer is the New York Times bestselling author of many books for kids a...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A.  This episode features Chad Beguelin talking to Jason about his debut gay romcom, Showmance . Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony Award nominee. His Broadway works include The Prom , Disney’s Aladdin , Elf and The Wedding S...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Rivers Solomon about their latest book, Model Home , discussing its unique spin on the haunted house genre and the layers of personal and family dynamics within. Guest Gay Reader Margaret Cho shares anecdotes from her eclectic career and childhood experiences growing up in a gay bookstore, all while reflecting on her love for reading.  Rivers Solomon writes about life i...

Host Jason Blitman is joined by one of the most banned authors in the country, George M. Johnson , to talk about their new book, Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known . They discuss the significance of LGBTQIA+ history, challenges faced by past queer icons of the Harlem Renaissance, and the connection between George's previous work, All Boys Aren't Blue , and Fl...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A.  This episode features Abdi Nazemian talking to Jason about his new book Desert Echoes .  Abdi Nazemian is the author of Like a Love Story , a Stonewall Honor Book, Only This Beautiful Moment , The Chandler Legacies , an...

Host Jason Blitman talks to Rumaan Alam ( Entitlement ) about the intricate themes of his novel, focusing on class, money, and societal values. They also delve into the significance of the book's title and how it reflects broader societal issues. Featured in this episode is Guest Gay Reader, Lea DeLaria , who discusses her work in theater, her desire to play iconic Shakespearean clowns, and h...

Host Jason Blitman talks to TJ Klune ( Somewhere Beyond the Sea ) about the highly-anticipated sequel to his bestselling novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea . TJ talks about his favorite character, feeling seen--especially by our teachers, and makes a statement that truly shocks Jason. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader James Scully (Broadway's Oh, Mary! ) talking about what he's...

In this new series What’s the TEA? host Jason Blitman gets the inside scoop on new books–authors are tasked with describing their books with 3 words using the letters T, E, and A.  This first episode features Shannon Bowring talking to Jason about her new book Where the Forest Meets the River .  Shannon Bowring has been nominated for a Pushcart and a Best of the Net, and was recently selected in B...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Danzy Senna whose new book Colored Television is the latest Good Morning America Book Club pick. They talk about psychics, the Cult of California, author personas, and her writing process. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader, designer Jonathan Adler who shares what he’s reading as well as tips to best curate your bookshelf.  Check out the Colored Television...

In the season premiere of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman talks to acclaimed author Elif Shafak ( There are Rivers in the Sky ) about the importance of storytelling and information vs. knowledge vs. wisdom. They also engage in a unique conversation about religion and so much more.  This episode features Guest Gay Reader Franklin Cappadora aka Jason’s husband. Elif Shafak is an award-winning Briti...