Slowburn

Why do some books stay with us long after we've turned the last page? In this solo episode, Mis and Kelli dive into the emotional side of reading, exploring how stories shape the way we see love, morality, relationships, and even ourselves. From favorite genres and unforgettable books to morally gray characters and the moments that left them speechless, this conversation celebrates the unique conn...

We survived Spellbound in the Valley. Our wallets may never recover. Join Mis and Kelli for a rundown of the authors, interviews, tattoos, and feral moments that made this weekend unforgettable. Huge thanks to the Spellbound team, the authors who played along with our unhinged questions, and everyone who made us feel so welcome. Thanks for the memories.

For the first time, it's just Mis and Kelli. In this solo episode, Kelli officially makes her Slowburn debut as the two dive headfirst into the conversations every reader has had...or at least thought about. From dark romance and favorite genres to bookish pet peeves, reading habits, unpopular opinions, and the wonderfully chaotic rabbit trails that only make sense to fellow book lovers, nothing i...

Katie Krebs returns for our final Banned Books Week bonus episode, and this time she brings Mr. Katie Krebs’ Husband, a sex therapist, straight into the Slowburn chaos. We talk pleasure, shame, consent, dark romance, and why people get so uncomfortable when women know what they want. Naturally, we also wander into aftercare, relationship dynamics, age gaps, and a few questions Mis is absolutely as...

What if the person you've been searching for has been you all along? In this episode, Erica Settino joins Mis for a thoughtful conversation about self-awareness, connection, and remembering who we are beneath the expectations of the world. Through poetry, tarot, embodied practices, and honest reflection, Erica shares how creativity can become a pathway to healing and why embracing our authentic se...

Four nights, countless bold conversations, and absolutely zero respect for our 15-minute time limit. We're closing out the Banned Books Week with more fearless authors, uncomfortable truths, and unapologetic opinions. Banned Books Week may be coming to an end, but the conversations, the advocacy, and the fight for the freedom to read don't stop here.

Unfortunately, the men have given us enough material to warrant a second installment. Kelli and MIs are back with more dating disasters, questionable decisions, unsolicited audacity, and the never-ending question: WHY ARE MEN?! Because apparently, the first episode wasn't enough.

We're back for Night 3 with more unfiltered conversations, bold opinions, and authors who aren't afraid to push boundaries. From censorship and free speech to representation, trauma, sexuality, and the power of storytelling, nothing is off limits. We're challenging perspectives, embracing uncomfortable conversations, and once again proving that our 15-minute time limit is merely a suggestion

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This is one of them. In this episode, Megan Michelle joins Mis for an honest conversation about vulnerability, healing, and what it really means to choose yourself. Together, they explore the courage it takes to be authentic, the role romance can play in helping us process life's hardest moments, and why honest communicati...

Night two, and our ability to keep these author chats to 15 minutes has not improved. Mis and Kelli are joined by the C of Madison Chase, Jenny Iroh, Dan Desa​i Martin, Leah Rochelle, Jessica Girke, and Kevin Rodgers for another evening of Banned Books Week author sound-offs. We’re talking fear of magic, hypocrisy in book bans, diversity in fiction, strong voices, and what happens when disagreemen...

We said 15-minute author chats. That was apparently a work of fiction. Welcome to the first night of Slowburn After Dark, our Banned Books Week author sound-offs. Mis and Kelli are joined by Bonnie Randall, Stacia Kaywood, Darma Day, Runa Alban, L. L. Mason, and Katie Krebs. We’re talking trauma in fiction, trigger warnings, sex education in romance, censorship, and the stories people would rather...

What happens when storytelling moves from the game table to the page? This week, Mis sits down with Kevin Rodgers to talk about his journey from designing board games to building fantasy worlds, and the surprising amount the two have in common. They dig into choice, creativity, world building, and the challenge of creating characters readers actually give a damn about. But the conversation goes be...

From dragons and dark fantasy to MMA and spicy romance, Matt Mememaro isn't interested in staying in one lane. In this episode, Matt joins Mis and Kelli to talk about building immersive fantasy worlds, writing across multiple genres, navigating life as an indie author in Australia, and why following the story is more important than following the market. Along the way, they dive into creativity, up...

Every fantasy world starts with a single question: What if? In this episode, Mis sits down with debut fantasy author Shannon Sims to explore the journey behind Threadbound and the world she's spent years bringing to life. Together, they dive into the art of world-building, creating unforgettable characters, and balancing fate, free will, and moral complexity in fantasy. Shannon also shares what it...

In this Bonus Episode, Kelli and Mis explore the bizarre and hilarious world of men's dating profiles, revealing the audacity and creativity (or lack thereof) men use to attract potential partners. They discuss the importance of first impressions, the use of AI in profiles, and share some of the most outrageous profiles they've encountered.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jenny Iroh as we explore the intersections of spirituality, writing, and personal growth. Discover insights on tarot, spiritual journeys, and the realities behind creating authentic fiction, all sprinkled with humor and honesty.

In this engaging interview, author and creator Leonnie Lopez shares her journey through ghostwriting, fantasy storytelling, and immersive audio experiences. Discover how she navigates multiple creative identities, the emotional nuances of ghostwriting, and the importance of intuition and magic in storytelling. https://www.leanilopez.com/ https://www.leanilopez.com/battlecry https://www.instagram.c...

Discover why readers are drawn to dark romance and morally gray characters. Learn how these fictional relationships fulfill emotional desires safely. In recent years, dark romance has surged in popularity, captivating readers with its morally complex characters and thrilling narratives. Why is it that we find ourselves drawn to stories filled with obsession, danger, and intense emotions? In this e...

In this engaging interview, Nora Thomas shares her journey as a romance author, the power of unapologetic authenticity, and how storytelling and therapy intertwine in her creative process. Discover insights on writing, mental health, social media, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Join Nora and Mis as they explore the world of indie authors, audiobook casting, mental health, and the q...

In this in-depth interview, fantasy author Grant Pierce discusses his unique approach to writing a six-book series, the importance of morally gray characters, the emotional weight of storytelling, and his stance on AI in publishing. Discover how his background in forensic psychology influences his characters and themes. Home - Grant Pierce Books - Grant Pierce

In this engaging interview, Gemma Snow shares her insights on social media, romance genres, mental health, and community building. Discover how she navigates the complexities of writing, representation, and personal growth while fostering authentic connections. Join us for an engaging conversation with Gemma Snow as we explore non-traditional relationships, the joy of adventure, and the creative p...

Season Two begins with a celebration. In this Slowburnaversary episode, Mis and Kelli look back on an unforgettable first year behind the microphones, sharing the moments that made them laugh, the conversations that stayed with them, and the unexpected ways Slowburn has grown. What started as a podcast about books has become something much bigger. It's become a place where stories lead to people,...

Not all monsters are what we expect. Meet Rick London, who rewrites the werewolf story! In his book, "The Dancing Wolfman," Rick flips the script on classic werewolf tales. Instead of a brooding alpha, we get a high school music teacher who transforms into a werewolf—but not in the way you'd think. This story dives into themes of identity and instinct, showing that not all monsters are villains. W...

This episode explores the vibrant world of indie authors, book community building, and the importance of face-to-face interactions in a digital age. Michelle Areaux shares her journey from traditional to self-publishing, her efforts in creating inclusive book events, and insights on community culture, trademarks, and social media dynamics. Those in the Charleston area, books in Charleston is June...

In this engaging interview, author Sophie Stern shares insights on genre flexibility, storytelling boundaries, and the power of diverse characters. Discover how embracing multiple genres and unique character dynamics can enrich your writing and reading experience.