Why Do We Need to Reclaim the Word "Fat"? In this powerful episode of the podcast, author Leigh Carron opens up about her journey of body positivity, challenging societal norms, and writing romance novels that celebrate bodies of all sizes. Through her personal experiences and literary work, Carron demonstrates how language can be transformed from a weapon of shame to a tool of empowerment.

Leigh Carron writes diverse, body-positive romance that brings the heat and the heart—because love and sexiness come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The evolution of body positivity in literature and media
• Challenging harmful stereotypes about body size
• Reframing the word "fat" as a neutral descriptor
• The importance of self-acceptance and challenging internalized negative thoughts
• Representation matters: Creating diverse characters in romance novels

Remember, your worth is not determined by your size – you are beautiful, powerful, and deserving of love exactly as you are.

CONNECT WITH LEIGH CARRON:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Ep 14 with Aimee - Celebrating Plus-Size Love Stories with Curvy Girls Read Romance

Fat Girl (Amazon)

My Curvy Rival (Amazon)

A Naked Beauty (Amazon)

A.H. Cunningham (Amazon)

An Imperfect Truth (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Are you ready to expand your reading horizons and discover the transformative power of sapphic literature? Join host Alesia and special guest Sarah in Wanderland as they unravel the complexities of lesbophobia, celebrate queer representation, and explore the transformative power of diverse love stories.

Sarah has dedicated their platform and voice to dismantling the shame and guilt that can often be associated with reading romance, and to promoting queer romance. After deconstructing from religious purity culture several years ago, they have been on a mission to take the taboo out of finding pleasure in self-exploration and kink, and to find the power that comes from freedom of expression and fulfilled desire.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Understanding Lesbophobia: Learn how lesbophobia intersects with homophobia and misogyny, and why inclusive language matters
• Diverse Representation Matters: Discover why reading sapphic romances from authors of various backgrounds is crucial
• Must-Read Authors: Explore recommendations from Kaylin Baron, Jazz Hammonds, Heather Nicks, and more
• Reading Challenge: Join Sarah's 2025 Sapphic Reading Challenge and expand your literary world
• Therapeutic Power of Reading: Understand how queer literature can be a healing and transformative experience

Challenge yourself to read at least one sapphic romance book this month. Every book you read is an opportunity to understand, empathize, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of human love and experience.

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

Website

Instagram

Patreon

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

The Lesbrary

I Heart Sapphic

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron (Amazon)

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds (Amazon)

Thirsty by Jas Hammonds (Amazon)

Seventh Star Series by Lily X (Amazon)

Heather Nix (Amazon)

Tamara Jerée (Amazon)

The Curse of the Goddess by C.C. González (Amazon)

Down South Bayou by Aricka Alexander (Amazon)

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner (Amazon)

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashely Herring Blake (Amazon)

Sapphic Reading Challenge (StoryGraph)

The Tenth Muse Anthology (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

What makes a romance novel truly captivating? Join host Alesia Galati as she sits down with bestselling author Dria Andersen to explore the vibrant world of Black paranormal romance, where love, loyalty, and supernatural excitement collide.

Dria Andersen is a paranormal author and photographer who draws inspiration from stories and legends. Her passion lies in writing about Black love and exploring the diverse concept of family.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Writing Journey: Dria began her writing career while pregnant, using self-publishing to bring her stories to life
• Representation Matters: Creating stories with predominantly Black characters that reflect her own community experience
• Unique Shifter Dynamics: Developing shifter worlds where supernatural beings integrate seamlessly into urban settings
• Trauma and Healing: Exploring found family and character growth through nuanced storytelling
• Genre Diversity: Spanning multiple paranormal genres from shifters to vampires and fantasy

Whether you're a romance enthusiast or new to paranormal fiction, Dria Andersen's books offer an immersive experience that celebrates love, community, and supernatural adventure. Dive into her world today and discover why readers can't get enough of her unique storytelling approach.

CONNECT WITH DRIA ANDERSEN:

Website

Instagram

Amazon

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

The Friend Contract (Amazon)

Haven (Amazon)

Devon (Amazon)

For Her Protection (Amazon)

Claiming April (Amazon)

To Her Rescue (Amazon)

A Destiny Awakened (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.