Gays Reading
Host Jason Blitman invites bestselling authors, cultural icons, and special guests for lively, spoiler-free conversations about books. The podcast celebrates LGBTQIA+ and ally authors through fun and insightful discussions. It's for anyone who loves great books or great conversation.
Episodes
Liane Moriarty, Big Little Truths
Jason talks to author Liane Moriarty about her newest novel (and first sequel), Big Little Truths. They discuss what makes her feel like a queen, the lyrics to "Come on Eileen," and that time she may or may not have been a taxi driver. Liane Moriarty is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Big Little Lies, Apples Never Fall, The Husband’s Secret, Truly
Re-release | Rosie O'Donnell
Re-release | In honor of Rosie O'Donnell hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, we're re-releasing her episode of Gays Reading!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. You can learn more about Guide Dogs of America by vi
Re-release | V.E. Schwab, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Re-release | In honor of the publication of the paperback edition of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, we're re-releasing this conversation with V.E. Schwab 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 po
Re-release | Shobha Rao, Indian Country
Re-release | Host Jason Blitman talks to Shobha Rao (Indian Country) live at Camino Books in San Diego. They discuss Laura Ingalls Wilder, the title’s double meaning from Rao’s childhood experience as “Indian,” the book’s central themes of water and rivers, the recurring power of three, and much more. This conversation originally took place on August 14, 2025. Shobha Rao moved to th
Re-release | Katie Kitamura, Audition
RE-RELEASE In honor of the Booker Prize 2026 Longlist announcement, we're re-releasing the conversation with Katie Kitamura, shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025 for Audition. Jason talks to Katie 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. This episode originally a
Re-release | Lyndsay Rush, A Bit Much
Re-release | 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 originally aired October 29, 2024Lyndsay Rush is a comedy writer, cofounder of the branding agency Obedient, and the poet behind the popular Instag
Laura Dave, The First Time I Saw Him
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Laura Dave about her latest thriller, The First Time I Saw Him, a Reese's Book Club Pick. This conversation was recorded live at Warwick's in San Diego. Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including The Last Thing He Told Me and Eight Hundred Grapes. Her novels have sold more than six m
Thrillers & Summer Book Recs feat. Jessica Knoll
In the season finale, host Jason Blitman talks to Jessica Knoll about her latest thriller, Helpless, plus what actually makes a "poolside book" and the best ones to have in your bag this summer. Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of Bright Young Women, The Favorite Sister, and Luckiest Girl Alive—now a major motion picture from
What Are You Reading? feat. Nate Berkus
In this episode of What Are You Reading? host Jason Blitman talks to designer Nate Berkus about what he's been reading and about his newest book, Foundations.Nate Berkus is one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his elevated yet accessible approach to interiors. Along with creating award-winning interiors for private clients, his t
Jenny Jackson, The Shampoo Effect
Host Jason Blitman welcomes back author and editor Jenny Jackson (Pineapple Street) to discuss her new novel, The Shampoo Effect, a Read with Jenna pick. Come for the chat about donuts (Lookin at you, Dunkin!), stay for Jenny's anticipated book recommendations.Jenny Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street. A graduate of Williams Colle
What Are You Reading? feat. Ryan O'Connell
Host Jason Blitman talks to Ryan O'Connell (Netflix's Special) about what he's been reading and learn about his newest book, Inspiration Porn. Ryan O’Connell is the Emmy-winning creator, writer, and star of Netflix’s Special, which is based on his memoir, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. He’s also written for other TV shows, including
Sophie Chen Keller, Little Wonder
Host Jason Blitman talks to newly minted Oprah's Book Club author Sophie Chen Keller about her new novel, Little Wonder. Conversation highlights includeHow becoming a parent helped shape the storySocial inequalities as added context for the bookCapturing the leaps in technology in China Sophie Chen Keller is the author of The Luster of Lost Things, 
Father's Day feat. Colton Underwood
In this special Father's Day episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Colton Underwood to talk fatherhood and learn about his new book, a letter he wrote (and read) to his son, Dear Bishop. Colton Underwood is an American TV personality, executive producer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and NY Times Best Seller. During his time in the NFL, Colton was inspired by his young cousin Harper
Andrew Sean Greer, Villa Coco
Jason Blitman talks with Pulitzer Prize winer Andrew Sean Greer (Less) about his newest novel, Villa Coco. This conversation was recorded live in Los Angeles at the First Congressional Church sponsored by Book Soup. Conversation highlights include:🇮🇹 How living in Italy inspired aspects of the book👑 His experience with a real-life princess🎶 Intel on the musical adaptation of LessANDREW SEAN G
What Are You Reading? feat. Haili Blassingame
Host Jason Blitman is joined by debut novelist Haili Blassingame to hear about what she's been reading and learn about her book, They All Fall in Love at the End. Haili Blassingame is a producer for the NPR program 1A. She has written for publications like The New Republic and The New York Times, in which she published the viral “My Choice Isn’t Marriage or Loneliness” for “Mod
Matt Haig, The Midnight Train
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Matt Haig (The Midnight Library) about his latest novel, The Midnight Train. This conversation was recorded live at University of San Diego presented by Warwick's. Matt Haig was born in Sheffield, England. His novels include The Humans, How to Stop Time, and The Midnight Library, which has been a number one New York Times&n
Melissa Albert, The Children
Host Jason Blitman is joined by prolific author Melissa Albert to talk about her debut adult novel, The Children, named June 2026's Read with Jenna Book Club pick. Melissa Albert is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of The Bad Ones, Our Crooked Hearts, and the Hazel Wood series. Her work has been translated into more than twenty languages and included in
Ann Patchett, Whistler
Host Jason Blitman welcomes Ann Patchett back to the podcast—last heard discussing her annotated Bel Canto in fall 2024—for a conversation about her newest novel, Whistler.Conversation highlights include:⏱️ Changes made to the book moments before it went to print😔 The relationship between missing something and grief 🎭 Whether Ann might ever write for the sta
Rasheed Newson, There is Only One Sin in Hollywood
Host Jason Blitman is joined by the most frequent Gays Reading guest, Rasheed Newson, to discuss his latest book, There's Only One Sin in Hollywood.Conversation highlights include:📖 Stories that don't get their due in the history books🎥 Rumors in Hollywood and how they continue today🪞How the understanding of ourselves change as we get olderRasheed Newson is the a
Sonia Feldman, Girl's Girl
Host Jason Blitman talks to debut novelist Sonia Feldman about her book Girl's Girl, this month's The Nod™️ by Gays Reading with Aardvark Book Club. Conversation highlights include:👯♀️ What it means to be a good friend💧 Why Sonia describes the book as "dewey" 🌎 The universality of specific stories and what it means to loveSonia Feldman lives in Cleveland, O
What Are You Reading? feat. Steven Rowley
On this episode of What Are You Reading?, host Jason Blitman is joined by New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley for a conversation about what he's been reading, what goes into writing a great blurb, and his latest novel, Take Me With You, an instant USA Today bestseller.Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author
Rachel Howzell Hall, Mist and Malice
Host Jason Blitman finally sits down with author Rachel Howzell Hall now that he's survived a full year of agony waiting for the follow-up to her cliffhanger-ending crime novel, Fog and Fury. Today, they're celebrating the arrival of Mist and Malice, the long-awaited sequel. New to the series? No problem. This spoiler-free conversation is the perfect entry point into the world of Haven.C
What Are You Reading? feat. Ayelet Waldman
Host Jason Blitman talks to Ayelet Waldman about what she's been reading (spoiler alert: a lot of audiobooks while quilting!) and about her new book, A Perfect Hand. Come for the book recs, stay for the Heated Rivalry conversation. Ayelet Waldman is the author of A Really Good Day, Love and Treasure, Red Hook Road, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, Da
Paige Lewis, Canon
Host Jason Blitman is joined by debut novelist Paige Lewis to talk about their book, Canon. Conversation highlights include:⚠️ Perseverance in the face of danger🐀 Animal fun facts🦸 What makes a heroPaige Lewis is the author of the poetry collection Space Struck and coeditor of Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance. Lewis t
What Are You Reading? feat. Davin Malasarn
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Davin Malasarn about what he's been reading and the books that influenced his debut novel, The Outer Country. Davin Malasarn was born and raised in Southern California. After completing his PhD in biology at the California Institute of Technology, he earned his MFA in creative writing from Bennington College and completed the Qu
Portia Elan, Homebound
Host Jason Blitman is joined by debut author Portia Elan to talk about her book, Homebound, named May 2026's Good Morning America Book Club selection. Highlights from this spoiler-free conversation:💾 evolution of technology🏳️🌈 history of the queer community👍 how people experience different truths Portia Elan studied history at Stanford University and earned an MFA from the University of
Elizabeth Strout, The Things We Never Say
Host Jason Blitman talks to Pulitzer Prize-winner Elizabeth Strout about her latest novel, The Things We Never Say. Conversation highlights include:🧠 Thoughts on free will🧐 Things we find interesting✨ What it means to become a grown-upElizabeth Strout is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lucy by the Sea; Oh William!, which was shortlisted for the Booker
Douglas Stuart, John of John
In the 200th episode of Gays Reading, host Jason Blitman talks to Booker Prize-winning novelist, Douglas Stuart (Shuggie Bain, Young Mungo) about his latest book, John of John. Conversation highlights include:🎶 The Spice Girls🧑🧑🧒 Filial duty in the queer community⏳ What happens to gay people as we age?Douglas Stuart is a Scottish-American author. His New York Times-bestselling debut no
What Are You Reading? feat. Stephanie Sy-Quia
In this episode of What Are You Reading? debut novelist Stephanie Sy-Quia shares what she's been reading and talks about her new book, A Private Man. Stephanie Sy-Quia was born in California in 1995 and is based in London. Her writing and criticism have been published in The Guardian, The White Review, The Boston Review, Granta, and elsewhere. Her
Xochitl Gonzalez, Last Night in Brooklyn
Host Jason Blitman talks to acclaimed author Xochitl Gonzalez (Olga Dies Dreaming) about her lates book, Last Night in Brooklyn.Conversation highlights include:🎉 Parties in the aughts 🌃 The magic of New York🏘️ Urban planning and future extrapolation Xochitl Gonzalez is a contributor to The Atlantic, where she was recognized as a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist in Commentary.
What Are You Reading? feat. Jayne Anne Phillips
In this episode of What Are You Reading?, Jason sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jayne Anne Phillips to discuss books she's been reading and her highly anticipated memoir-in-essays, Small Town Girls, which Oprah named her #1 most anticipated read of the year.Jayne Anne Phillips is the author of Black Tickets, Machine Dreams, Fast Lanes, Shelter, MotherKind
Abigail Savitch-Lew, Livonia Chow Mein
Host Jason Blitman talks to debut novelist Abigail Savitch-Lew about Livonia Chow Mein. Conversation highlights include:🪧 Local activism🧑🧑🧒🧒 Family legacyAbigail Savitch-Lew is a writer of fiction and nonfiction and an American of Jewish and Chinese (Ashkenazi and Toisanese) descent. She 🪧has a BA in literary arts from Brown University and an MFA in fiction from Rutgers University-Newark.
What Are You Reading? feat. Jessica George
In this episode of What Are You Reading? Jason talks to author Jessica Geroge (Maame) about what she's been reading and about her latest novel, Love by the Book. Jessica George is the New York Times bestselling author of Maame. She was born and raised in London to Ghanaian parents and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield.S
Patrick Radden Keefe, London Falling
Host Jason Blitman talks to acclaimed journalist Patrick Radden Keefe about his latest book, London Falling. London Falling is the April 2026 Late Show with Stephen Colbert Book Club pick. Conversation highlights include:🤫 How we all tell lies in one way or another🐱 Cats, the musical⚽️ The various sports Keefe has playedPATRICK RADDEN KEEFE is a staff writer at The New Yorker&n
What Are You Reading? feat. Emma Brodie
In this episode of What Are You Reading?, Jason is joined by author Emma Brodie to discuss the books she's been recommending lately and to celebrate her new novel, Into the Blue, this month's Reese's Book Club pick.Emma Brodie has worked in book publishing for fifteen years, currently as an Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars pro
Caro Claire Burke, Yesteryear
Jason Blitman sits down with Caro Claire Burke to discuss her debut novel Yesteryear, April 2026's Good Morning America Book Club pick.Conversation highlights include:🩰 Ballerina Farms🐳 Why all millennials wanted to be marine biologists 📱 TikTok, culture at large, and fitting inCARO CLAIRE BURKE received her Master’s in Fine Arts from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She i
What Are You Reading? feat. Lisa Lee
In this episode of What Are You Reading?, host Jason Blitman sits down with Lisa Lee to talk about the books that shaped and sustained her through the decade-long journey to her debut novel, American Han.Lisa Lee is the recipient of the Marianne Russo Emerging Writer Award from the Key West Literary Seminar, an Emerging Writer Fellowship from the Center for Fiction, a
Yann Martel, Son of Nobody
Host Jason Blitman talks to prolific author Yann Martel (Life of Pi) about his latest novel, Son of Nobody. They talk about religion versus art, dreams versus reality, Greek gods like Hades, and Martel’s enthusiasm for CrossFit burpees.Yann Martel is the author of Life of Pi, the international bestseller that won the 2002 Booker Prize and was adapted to the screen in the Oscar–winning fi
What Are You Reading? feat. Felicia Day
On this episode of What Are You Reading?, host Jason Blitman sits down with actor, writer, and all-around fandom icon Felicia Day to talk favorite books, current reads, and her brand-new graphic novel, The Last Daughter of Sparta.Felicia Day has appeared as an actress in numerous television shows and films, including Supernatural, The Magicians, and Mys
Lauren Groff, Brawler
Host Jason Blitman talks to Lauren Groff about her new story collection, Brawler. This conversation was recorded live at Warwick's in San Diego. Conversation highlights include:📓 A therapy session about story collections💡 How Lauren knows an idea is a story and not a novel🇫🇷 Expectations of ParisLauren Groff is a three-time National Book Award finalist and the New York Times bestsel
What Are You Reading? feat. Saleem Haddad
Jason Blitman talks with novelist Saleem Haddad about what he's been reading, his new novel Floodlines, and the story behind its stunning cover.Saleem Haddad was born in Kuwait City to a Palestinian-Lebanese father and an Iraqi-German mother, and educated in Jordan, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He has worked as an aid worker with Doctors Without Borders in Yemen, Syria,
April Book Club: Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Almost Life
Announcing the April Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora ALMOST LIFE by Kiran Millwood HargraveTwo young women meet in Paris one sultry summer in a decades-spanning tour de force about the enduring power of young love and the poignant heartbreak of missed chances—perfect for fans of One Day and Normal People.New to the club? Get your first book for just $1!When you join t
Tara Menon, Under Water
Host Jason Blitman is joined by debut novelist Tara Menon to talk about her new book, Under Water. Conversation highlights include:🍦 The food textures that Tara hates🧑🧑🧒🧒 Chosen family🐦⬛ Venery nounsTara Menon was born in India, grew up in Singapore, spent a decade in New York, and now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she is an assistant professor of English at Harvard Un
What Are You Reading? feat. Kate Schatz
Host Jason Blitman is joined by Kate Schatz who lives out her Reading Rainbow fantasy by sharing some of her favorite books. Kate then shares the personal story behind writing her debut novel, Where the Girls Were. Kate Schatz is a feminist author from California. She’s the New York Times bestselling author of Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book, with W. Kamau Bell, and t
T Kira Madden, Whidbey
Host Jason Blitman is joined by T Kira Madden, author of the acclaimed memoir Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls, to discuss her debut novel, Whidbey.Conversation highlights include:⛴️ T Kira's trip to Whidbey Island☀️ The trauma of growing up in Florida📺 Favorite reality TVT Kira Māhealani Madden is a diasporic Kanaka 'Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) writer and auth
What Are You Reading? feat. Ani DiFranco
Jason Blitman talks with singer-songwriter and queer icon Ani DiFranco about her reading life and the story behind her new book, The Spirit of Ani.ANI DiFRANCO is a Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and musician who has released twenty-three albums, traversing genres and addressing a range of autobiographical, political, and social issues. She is widely considered a feminist icon, and cr
Amy Jo Burns, Wait for Me
Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Amy Jo Burns — who returns to Gays Reading after co-interviewing Abraham Verghese with Jason in summer 2024 — to discuss her latest novel, Wait for Me, the March pick for Read with Jenna's book club.Conversation highlights include: 🎶 Amy Jo's relationship to (and the power of) music🫂 Embracing your authentic self🖼️ Commercialization of artAmy Jo B
What Are You Reading? feat. Sapphira Cristál
Host Jason Blitman talks to RuPaul's Drag Race runner-up and Miss Congeniality, Sapphira Cristál about what she's been reading as well as about what folks can expect from her new comedy tour, One Slue Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Sapphira Cristál (runner-up and Miss Congeniality of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16) is a classically trained opera singer, composer, and drag queen known for her thea
Tayari Jones, Kin
Host Jason Blitman talks to Oprah's Book Club pick Tayari Jones about Kin, her long-awaited new novel, nearly a decade in the making.Conversation highlights include:🔎 A Google-tangent about the etymology of the word "kin"🌈 On writing an overtly queer book🍰 The best kind of red velvet cakePer the conversation, here is the link to Motherhood Beyond Bars:https://www.motherhoodbeyond.org/Tayari Jones
What Are You Reading? feat. Misha Brown
Host Jason Blitman talks to everyone's favorite influencer and bestie, Misha Brown aka @yourbestiemisha, about what he's been reading as well as his new book Be Your Own Bestie: A No-Nonsense Guide to Changing the Way You Treat YourselfMisha Brown is an undeniable entertainment powerhouse who excels as an influencer, podcast host, and performer. With a knack for captivating audiences, he shot
Kate Quinn, The Astral Library
Host Jason Blitman is joined by prolific author Kate Quinn to talk about her latest novel, The Astral Library. Conversation highlights include:📖 The book Kate would (and wouldn't) want to live in✨ Sacred spaces📚 Reading habits and the best books to rereadThe Astral Library is out now wherever you get your books. Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today 
March Book Club: Grant Ginder, So Old, So Young
Announcing the March Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora SO OLD, SO YOUNG by Grant GinderFive parties over the course of twenty years bring six college friends together, exploring the ways we run from and cling to our friends in love, life, and death.New to the club? Get your first book for just $1!When you join the Gays Reading Book Club with Allstora, here’s what y
Patmeena Sabit, Good People
Host Jason Blitman is joined by debut author Patmeena Sabit to talk about her book, this month's Barnes & Noble Book Club Selection, Good People. Conversation highlights include:♥️ What it means to be a good person✨ Karma and how we choose to live our lives Paying a price to be your authentic selfGood People is out now wherever you get your books. Patmeena Sabit was born i
What Are You Reading? feat. April Reynolds
Host Jason Blitman talks with author April Reynolds (The Shape of Dreams) about what she’s been reading lately and the joyful surprise of discovering just how many LGBTQIA+ authors have quietly shaped her reading life.April Reynolds is the author of the novel Knee-Deep in Wonder, which won the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation Award and the PEN American Center: Beyond Margins Award
Nikesha Elise Williams, The Seven Daughters of Dupree
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Nikesha Elise Williams about her new novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. Conversation highlights include:🎶 Janet Jackson choreography💜 What it means to be "enough"🙏 The sacred, intimate rituals of hairNikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy Award–winning producer, an award-winning author, and producer and host of the Black and Published&nb
What Are You Reading feat. Brian Larson (@brian.reads)
Host Jason Blitman sits down with bookish-multihyphenate Brian Larson aka @brian.reads who shares what he's been reading and talks about his new podcast, The Shelf Care Society. Brian Larson is the author of The Afterparty (publishing June 2027) a memoir that reframes sobriety not as loss but as liberation. Known as @brian.reads on social media, he is the founder of Shelf Care Society, a book club
George Saunders, Vigil
Host Jason Blitman is joined by acclaimed author George Saunders who talks about his new novel, Vigil. Conversation highlights include:🎭 Comparisons to Shakespeare🕯️ Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol🍔 George's Last MealGeorge Saunders is the author of nine books, including the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Man Booker Prize, and the story collections Pastoralia&n
What Are You Reading? feat. Nina McConigley
Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Nina McConigley (How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder) to talk about what she’s been reading lately—beyond Eric Carle’s The Very Lonely Firefly.Plus: head to the Gays Reading Substack to hear Nina talk about adapting Cowboys and East Indians for the stage, now playing at the Denver Center through March 1, 202
Gabriel Tallent, Crux
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Gabriel Tallent about his new book, Crux. Conversation highlights include:💈 The surprising number of hot gay barbers in Salt Lake🧗🏼♂️ What drawing a climb looks like⭐️ Ambition and legacyGabriel Tallent is the author of the New York Times-bestselling novel My Absolute Darling. He was born in New Mexico and raised on the Mendocino coast b
What Are You Reading feat. Annie Summerlee
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Annie Summerlee about what she's been reading as she awaited the publication of her book: The Book of Blood and Roses. Annie Summerlee lives in Spain with her partner, two cats, and a rescue dog. Her short stories have been featured in 404 Ink, Litro, and So To Speak, as well as other magazines and anthologies. She also writes in Catalan
February Book Club: Thrity Umrigar, Missing Sam
Announcing the February Gays Reading Book Club Pick...⭐️ MISSING SAM by Thrity Umrigar, the bestselling author of HONORAt first glance, MISSING SAM looks like a classic thriller: a woman goes missing after a morning run and her wife is left behind to search for answers. But very quickly, this book becomes something much deeper. The book is about what happens when
Emily Austin, Is This a Cry for Help?
Host Jason Blitman chats with author Emily Austin about her latest novel, Is This a Cry for Help?Conversation highlights include:Emily’s habit of endlessly rewriting the pitch at the top of her manuscriptThe ethics of librarianship and why access to information mattersBug killing, sex dens, and everything in betweenEmily Austin is the author of We Could Be Rats, Everyone in This Roo
What Are You Reading? Feat. Sarah Dickinson (Sarah's Bookshelves Live)
Host Jason Blitman sits down with Sarah Dickinson, creator and host of popular podcast Sarah’s Bookshelves Live, to talk about the books she’s most excited to read in 2026.Conversation highlights include:Anticipated book trends for the year aheadWhy first lines should be part of a book's marketing materialFeelings on classic booksSUBSTACK! MERCH! WATCH! CONTACT! hello@gaysreading.com Hosted on Aca
2025 Highlights
Host Jason Blitman kicks off 2026 by revisiting some of the quiet yet impactful moments from Gays Reading episodes in 2025.Featured in this episode are conversations with:Rabih Alameddine Daniel BlackJennifer Finney BoylanKarissa ChenPrabal GurungDylin HardcastleRickey LaurentiisNathan H. Lents Sameer PandyaV.E. SchwabSUBSTACK! MERCH! WATCH! CONTACT! hello@gaysreading.com Hosted on
What Are You Reading? 2025 Faves feat. Marion Winik
In the final episode of 2025, host Jason Blitman sits down with author and critic Marion Winik for a wide-ranging, bookish conversation. Winik shares her top ten favorite fiction reads of the year and reflects on her memoir First Comes Love as it celebrates its 30th anniversary—plus the release of its new audiobook. Even more from this conversation, includin
John Irving
Host Jason Blitman sits down with literary icon John Irving to discuss his latest novel, Queen Esther. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on the story behind Irving’s first tattoo, what it truly means to be an ally, where he finds optimism in uncertain times, and the deeply personal experiences that continue to shape his writing—plus plenty more along the way.John Irving was born in Exet
The Book Club Menu feat. The Defined Dish & Ariel Sullivan (Conform)
In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Alex Snodgrass (aka The Defined Dish) to talk all things book club menus—how to plan them, why they matter, and how food can deepen the reading experience. Using Alex’s recent book club gathering for Conform as a case study, the conversation expands to include Conform author Ariel Sullivan, who joins to unpack the creative collaboration behind the
Dwayne Betts (Freedom Reads)
Host Jason Blitman sits down with Reginald Dwayne Betts—poet, lawyer, and founder of Freedom Reads—for an intimate conversation about transforming America's prison system one library at a time. In an extraordinary turn of events, Dwayne receives a live call from Jermaine, a friend currently incarcerated at Lawrenceville Correctional Facility. Jermaine joins the conversation to share how
![[Re-Release] Gregory Maguire (Wicked) feat. Eric Williams and Eden Espinosa](https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6927a48ecaf6efa703dbae9e/1764619686930-5ceeeade-e056-4d58-91d2-71147e6a5434.jpeg)
[Re-Release] Gregory Maguire (Wicked) feat. Eric Williams and Eden Espinosa
In this re-release 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. Highlights include:📖 The legacy of this iconic story🎭 Insider behi
Justinian Huang (Lucky Seed) feat. Lukas Gage, Guest Gay Reader
In this Thanksgiving week episode, host Jason Blitman talks to brand-new-dad Justinian Huang about his paper baby, Lucky Seed. Conversation highlights:👻 hungry ghosts and superstitions 🤳🏼 social media and millennials🦃 tips for navigating family during Thanksgiving Guest Gay Reader™️ this week is White Lotus and Overcompensating favorite--and avid reader--Lukas Gage. Justinian Huang’s debut novel,
Olivia Laing (The Silver Book) feat. Michael "Dancing Blue Shirt Guy" Galyean, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Olivia Laing (The Lonely City) to talk about their new book, The Silver Book.In this conversation, they dive into:🎥 making art and Italian cinema🏳️🌈 the role queerness plays throughout Laing’s work🗣️ how identity becomes a negotiation with—and around—fakenessPlus, this week’s Guest Gay Reader™️ is Michael Galyean (aka Dancing Blue Shirt Guy), who shares wh
December Book Club: Erin O. White (Like Family)
In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Erin O. White about her book LIKE FAMILY, the December Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora.LIKE FAMILY — a warm, big-hearted debut about the beautiful, messy, complicated ways we love one another. Set in a picturesque town in upstate New York, the novel follows three interconnected couples navigating friendship, parentho
Gráinne O'Hare (Thirst Trap) feat. Brian Schaefer, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman talks to award-winning Irish writer Gráinne O'Hare about her debut novel, Thirst Trap. Conversation highlights include:❤️🔥 icks on dates🙃 drunk alter egos 🧡 Taylor Swift👯♀️ long friendshipsNext up is Guest Gay Reader™️ Brian Schaefer who talks about what he's been reading (hint: it's NOT books!), the book club he has with his mom, and shares the inspo behind his
Aja Gabel (Lightbreakers) feat. Anthony Delaney, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman is joined by Aja Gabel to talk about her first novel in nearly a decade, Lightbreakers. Conversation highlights include:✍🏻 the death of handwriting 🧪 science vs art 💭 what memory means to usJason's then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Anthony Delaney who shares a giant stack of books he's reading as well as shares about his new book, Queer Enlightenments. Aja Gabel is the
Catherine Newman (Wreck) feat. Rachel Runya Katz, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman sits down with returning Gays Reading guest Catherine Newman (Sandwich) to talk about her new book, Wreck. Conversation highlights include:🤧 Ailments, of course. 😵💫 Anxiety, of course. 💻 The Portal, you understand.🥳 But also a lot of fun stuff, too.Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Rachel Runya Katz to hear about what she's been reading (get ready for some fab rom
Tom Ryan (We Had a Hunch) feat. Kim Chi, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman talks to bestselling author Tom Ryan about his latest adult mystery, We Had A Hunch. Highlights include:🕵🏻♂️ a love of mysteries✍🏻 how Tom taught himself to write🎤 a question that Tom calls "Barbara Walters level journalism"Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️, RuPaul's Drag Race superstar, Kim Chi about what she's been reading as well as her new books
What Are You Reading? with Mark and Scott Hoying
Prepare to grow your already overflowing TBR (sorry, not sorry!) with our new series What Are You Reading?. In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Pentatonix and Dancing with the Stars' Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying to chat about the books that they've been reading recently and about their new children's book, Fa La La Family. Scott Hoying is a Grammy and Emily award-winn
November Book Club: Victoria Redel (I Am You)
In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Victoria Redel about her book I AM YOU, the November Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora.I AM YOU subverts the idea of a 17th-century historical novel — it’s intimate, modern, and deeply queer in the way it explores gender, art, and identity. The characters feel so alive and complex that you can’t help but get pulled in
Megha Majumdar (A Guardian and a Thief) feat. Brandon Taylor, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman talks with Megha Majumdar about her acclaimed second novel, A Guardian and a Thief—recently nominated for the Kirkus Prize and shortlisted for the National Book Award.Conversation highlights include:🐢 fables and folktales🦬 interpretations of cave art🤔 moral quandaries🎶 concerts and music tasteJason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Brandon Taylor about tennis, what might temp
Lily King (Heart the Lover) feat. Dustin Thao, Guest Gay Reader
Host Jason Blitman talks to author Lily King about her newest novel, Heart the Lover. Conversation highlights include:👩🏼🏫 weird classes we took in college📝 beautiful sentences 🃏 a love of card games💌 a story about letters from an ex-boyfriendJason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader Dustin Thao who shares what he's been reading and talks about his book, You've Found Oliver.Notes from the
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