The Clean Romance Podcast

This week on the Clean Romance Podcast, we’re joined by clean romance author Madelyn Smith for an honest and thoughtful conversation about explicit content in books and how it affects the brain. Madelyn shares her personal story of overcoming a smut addiction and why she ultimately chose to write clean romance, all while sharing tips for readers with similar struggles. We also discussed the langua...

Have you ever loved a book one week… and couldn’t stand something similar the next? You’re not crazy—your hormones might be in charge. In this episode of the Clean Romance Podcast, we talk about how a woman’s hormonal cycle affects the way we read, feel, and review books. Tiffany walks us through the four stages of the cycle, what’s happening in our bodies, how we typically feel in each phase, and...

Are Goodreads goals helping readers or hurting them? In this episode, we kick off the new year by questioning reading goals, New Year’s resolutions, and the pressure to turn joy into a number. We talk about whether we set Goodreads goals (or rebel against them), what we want to see change in our reading lives this year, and how to read with more freedom and intention. If you’ve ever felt behind, b...

As we close out 2025, we’re taking time to reflect on a year that was both hard and beautiful—in life and in books. In this final episode of the year, we look back on the moments that shaped us, including being in New Orleans during a terrorist attack, navigating major health-driven changes that led Tiffany to move away from family, and the unexpected healing and gratitude that followed. This year...

In one of our very first episodes, we dreamed up a Christmas romance—and now it’s finally here. In this episode, we reveal the finished story and announce the winner of our Christmas book title contest! We’re also getting festive with a round of Christmas This or That (play along in the comments on YouTube), and wrapping things up by sharing YOUR latest five-star reads based on our live viewers co...

What do clean romance, closed door, fade-to-black, open door, low spice, and no spice actually mean? If romance book terms leave you feeling confused, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Clean Romance Podcast, we’re joined by Rachel Parker of @ClosedDoorRomance for a fun game of Two Tropes and a Lie, followed by a deep dive into romance spice levels and reader expectations. Rachel breaks down...

Let’s just say FML and FMC are very different things. In this episode, we break down the most common bookish terms you’ll spot on Bookstagram, BookTok, and Goodreads. If you’ve ever wondered what DNF or HFN actually mean—or you just love hearing us rant and rave about them—this one’s for you. Plus, Tiffany shares her meet-cute, and when we say it was young love, we mean YOUNG. Prepare to swoon, gi...

Welcome to the first official episode of The Clean Romance Podcast! 🎧 Hosts Sarah Hickner and Tiffany Noelle Chacon kick things off with laughter, honesty, and heart. Get to know them as they play This or That, talk about their favorite kinds of love stories, and share what led them to choose clean romance over spice. Check out the Five Star Reads here:  Let's Pretend by Lindsay Rochester Th...

In episode 2 of The Clean Romance Podcast, we talk about the elephant in the room. Is Christian romance cringey? And what about clean romance? Tiffany and Sarah have a lot to say on this, and Tiffany's conclusion might rock your world.  Pull up a chair, because Sarah shares her real-life meet-cute with her husband of almost 20 years. (I know, you thought we were in our 20's, but it'...

It’s a Christmas romance extravaganza! In this festive episode of The Clean Romance Podcast, we dig into why holiday love stories have such a hold on us. Are we drawn to the coziness? The nostalgia? The mistletoe? Or do Christmas romances accidentally set us up for unrealistic expectations? Then we put our money where our mouth is and plot our own Christmas romance, written just for our listeners....

Get a sneak peek into the Clean Romance Podcast! In this short trailer, Sarah and Tiffany share what you can expect each week—five-star book recommendations, swoony tropes, meaningful conversations, and a whole lot of fun. If you love clean romance and stories filled with heart and hope, hit follow and join us for all the episodes to come! Join the conversation on your favorite social channel! Ins...